PandaBoo
qíshǐ jù
Imperative sentence (祈使句)
An imperative sentence tells someone to do something or not to do something. Use 请 + verb for polite requests and invitations. Use 别 + verb to tell someone not to do something. The subject (you) is usually dropped.
核心例句
请进，请坐——两个字就能表达礼貌的请求。别担心，祈使句其实很简单！
Qǐng jìn, qǐng zuò — liǎng gè zì jiù néng biǎodá lǐmào de qǐngqiú. Bié dānxīn, qíshǐjù qíshí hěn jiǎndān!
Please come in, please sit down — just two words to make a polite request. Don't worry, imperative sentences are actually very simple!
HSK 1
HSK 1
2
2 个结构
10
10 个练习
课程摘要
Formula: 请 + verb (polite request) / 别 + verb (gentle prohibition). Meaning: tell someone to do or not do something. Key usage: 请 for welcoming and inviting; 别 for 'don't.' Model sentences: 请进。/ 请坐。/ 别说了。/ 别走。 Note: subject (you) is always dropped; 别 is softer than 不要.
The imperative sentence (祈使句) is used to give commands, make requests, offer invitations, or issue prohibitions. It is one of the most practical sentence types in daily Chinese conversation.
There are two core patterns at HSK 1: 1. 请 + verb: used for polite requests and invitations — 请进 (please come in), 请坐 (please sit down), 请喝茶 (please have some tea). 请 makes the tone warm and respectful. 2. 别 + verb: used for negative commands or gentle prohibitions — 别说了 (stop talking), 别走 (don't go), 别担心 (don't worry). 别 is softer than 不要, which sounds stricter.
When to use: imperative sentences are for giving instructions, welcoming guests, stopping someone from an action, or reminding someone.
When NOT to use: Do not use imperative sentences when expressing your own wishes or preferences — that requires 想 or 要. Do not confuse 别 with 不 — 不 is for general negation, while 别 specifically means 'don't (do that now).'
语法句型
请 + verb (polite request / invitation)
Used to politely invite or request someone to do something.
请进。
Qǐng jìn.
Please come in.
请坐，我们马上开始上课。
Qǐng zuò, wǒmen mǎshàng kāishǐ shàngkè.
Please sit down, we are about to start class.
请喝茶。
Qǐng hē chá.
Please have some tea.
不 is for general negation (I don't / it's not). 别 is the correct word to tell someone 'don't do this now.' Use 别 for imperative prohibitions.
In polite invitations, the subject 你 is usually dropped. 请进 is more natural and common. Adding 你 can sound overly formal or even slightly awkward in everyday speech.
填写空白：
语法句型
别 + verb (prohibition / gentle warning)
Used to tell someone not to do something, or to warn them gently.
别说了，老师来了！
Bié shuō le, lǎoshī lái le!
Stop talking, the teacher is here!
别走，我有话跟你说。
Bié zǒu, wǒ yǒu huà gēn nǐ shuō.
Don't go, I have something to tell you.
请 and 别 are not normally used together. For polite prohibitions, use 请不要 + verb. 别 alone is already a softer prohibition.