definir Negative Imperative Conjugation
definir — to define
Use 'no + present subjunctive' for negative commands like 'don't define!'.
definir Negative Imperative Forms
When to Use the Negative Imperative
Negative commands tell someone what *not* to do. For 'definir', you'd use this to prevent someone from defining something incorrectly or to stop them from defining a term they don't understand.
Notes on definir in the Negative Imperative
All negative commands in Spanish are formed using the present subjunctive. So, 'definir' follows the regular -ir verb pattern in the present subjunctive: no definas, no defina, no definamos, no defináis, no definan.
Example Sentences
No definas la situación hasta que tengas toda la información.
Don't define the situation until you have all the information.
tú
No definamos algo que no entendemos.
Let's not define something we don't understand.
nosotros
No definan el proyecto sin consultar al equipo.
Don't define the project without consulting the team.
ustedes
No defináis el término de forma ambigua.
Don't define the term ambiguously.
vosotros
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the infinitive instead of the subjunctive.
Correct: It should be 'No definir' (incorrect) vs. 'No definas' (correct for tú).
Why: The structure for negative commands always requires the subjunctive mood.
Mistake: Forgetting the 'no'.
Correct: A command like 'Definas la palabra' is positive, while 'No definas la palabra' is negative.
Why: The 'no' is essential to turn a positive subjunctive form into a negative command.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: defino
Use the present of 'definir' for 'I define', 'you define', 'they define' happening now or habitually.
Preterite
yo: definí
Use the preterite of 'definir' for completed actions like 'I defined' or 'she defined'.
Imperfect
yo: definía
Use the imperfect of 'definir' for ongoing or habitual past actions like 'I used to define' or 'she was defining'.
Future
yo: definiré
Use the future of 'definir' for 'I will define', 'you will define', 'they will define'.
Conditional
yo: definiría
Use the conditional of 'definir' for 'I would define', 'you would define', 'they would define'.
Present Subjunctive
yo: defina
Use the present subjunctive (defina/defina) after expressions of doubt, desire, or emotion.
Imperfect Subjunctive
yo: definiera
Use the imperfect subjunctive (definiera/definiese) for past hypotheticals or wishes.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: define
Use the imperative of definir for direct commands like 'define!', 'let's define!'.