Confusing Commands

When you give a direct order or instruction to someone you address formally (Usted), you use the 'compre' form: 'Señorita, compre más leche' (Miss, buy more milk).

Formal Commands

This form ('yo compre', 'él/ella/usted compre') is used after expressions of doubt, emotion, recommendation, or desire, often preceded by 'que': 'Espero que compre un buen regalo' (I hope he buys a good gift).

The Subjunctive Mood

Since *comprar* is an -AR verb, its special command/subjunctive endings switch to the letter 'E' (compre, compres, compren). This is a common pattern for all regular -AR verbs.

How to Remember

Extremely common, as it is a core verb form (buy) used in formal commands and expressions of desire or doubt.

Learn the Spanish word 'compre,' which is a conjugation of 'comprar' (to buy). Find its uses as a formal command (Usted) and in the special verb form (subjunctive) for 'yo' and 'él/ella/usted'.

compre

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations