contentar Affirmative Imperative Conjugation
contentar — to please
Use imperative forms like 'contenta' (tú) and 'contente' (usted) for direct commands.
contentar Affirmative Imperative Forms
When to Use the Affirmative Imperative
You use the imperative forms of 'contentar' for direct commands. Think of telling someone to do something, like 'Be happy!' or 'Make yourself happy!'
Notes on contentar in the Affirmative Imperative
The affirmative imperative of 'contentar' is regular for tú ('contenta') and usted ('contente'), but irregular for vosotros ('contentad'). The nosotros form ('contentemos') is identical to the present subjunctive.
Example Sentences
¡Contenta a tu abuela con una visita!
Please your grandmother with a visit!
tú
Contente un poco, no te preocupes tanto.
Be happy a little, don't worry so much.
usted
Contentemos a los invitados con buena música.
Let's please the guests with good music.
nosotros
¡Contentad a vuestros amigos!
Please your friends!
vosotros
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the infinitive 'contentar' instead of an imperative form for a command.
Correct: Use 'contenta' for 'tú' or 'contente' for 'usted'.
Why: The infinitive is the base form of the verb and isn't used for direct commands.
Mistake: Confusing 'contenta' (tú imperative) with 'contenta' (él/ella/usted present indicative).
Correct: Context usually clarifies, but for commands, ensure you intend to give an order.
Why: They are spelled the same, but their function in the sentence is different.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: contento
Use present forms like 'contento' (yo) and 'contenta' (él/ella/usted) for current actions or general truths about pleasing.
Preterite
yo: contenté
Use preterite forms like 'contenté' (yo) and 'contentó' (él/ella/usted) for completed actions of pleasing or becoming happy.
Imperfect
yo: contentaba
Use imperfect forms like 'contentaba' (yo) and 'contentaba' (él/ella/usted) for ongoing or habitual past actions of pleasing.
Future
yo: contentaré
Use future forms like 'contentaré' (yo) and 'contentará' (él/ella/usted) for actions that will happen.
Conditional
yo: contentaría
Use conditional forms like 'contentaría' (yo) and 'contentaría' (él/ella/usted) for hypothetical situations ('would please') or polite requests.
Present Subjunctive
yo: contente
Use present subjunctive forms like 'contente' (yo/él/ella/usted) and 'contentes' (tú) after expressions of doubt, desire, or emotion.
Imperfect Subjunctive
yo: contentara
Use imperfect subjunctive forms like 'contentara' or 'contentase' for past hypothetical situations or wishes.
Negative Imperative
yo: no contentes
Use 'no' plus the present subjunctive, like 'no contentes' (tú) and 'no contente' (usted), for negative commands.