If you’ve ever wanted to say “Come in!”, “Don’t talk!”, or simply “Sit!” in Chinese, congratulations—you're entering the action-packed world of imperative sentences, known in Mandarin as 祈使句 (qíshǐjù)! Imperative sentences are used when you need to ask someone to do (or not do) something. Very useful, whether you’re a boss like Jianguo, a big sister like Lili, or just someone really desperate for a dumpling.
How to Use Imperative Sentences in Chinese:
Basic Imperative: Just say the verb! No need to add a subject. Example:请进！ (Qǐng jìn!)— Come in, please! (Literally just “please enter!” Polite AND simple!)
With 请 (qǐng): Add 请 (please) before the verb to sound extra polite. Example:请坐！ (Qǐng zuò!)— Please sit!
Negative Imperatives with 别 (bié): Tell someone NOT to do something by putting 别 (don’t) before the verb. Example:别说了！ (Bié shuō le!)— Don’t talk (anymore)!
Pro-tip: It’s totally normal to sound like a kung-fu movie with sentences like these:
注意！(Zhùyì!) — Attention!
快走！(Kuài zǒu!) — Hurry up and go!
等等！(Děng děng!) — Wait!
Just remember: In Chinese, commanding someone isn’t rude if you use “请”! Grandma Xiulan would approve.
1. (You want Jianguo to open the door politely.)
！（qǐng kāi mén） (Please open the door!)
<p><b>2.</b> (Haoran and Xiaotong are too noisy. You want them to stop talking.)<br>
<input type="text" answer="别说了">！（bié shuō le） (Don't talk!)</p>
<p><b>3.</b> (You’d like Zhiqiang to take a seat politely.)<br>
<input type="text" answer="请坐">！（qǐng zuò） (Please sit!)</p>
<p><b>4.</b> (Lili is about to make a mistake. Tell her "Don’t do it!")<br>
<input type="text" answer="别做">！（bié zuò） (Don’t do it!)</p>
<p><b>5.</b> (You want Grandma Xiulan to take care.)<br>
<input type="text" answer="注意">！（zhù yì） (Take care/Notice!)</p>