derivar Negative Imperative Conjugation
derivar — to refer
Negative commands use the present subjunctive: 'no derives' (you, informal), 'no deriven' (you all).
derivar Negative Imperative Forms
When to Use the Negative Imperative
You use the negative imperative to tell someone *not* to do something. For 'derivar,' you might say 'No derives conclusiones precipitadas' (Don't jump to conclusions) or 'No deriven el problema a otro departamento' (Don't pass the buck).
Notes on derivar in the Negative Imperative
Negative commands in Spanish are formed using the present subjunctive. So, 'derivar' follows the regular present subjunctive pattern: no derive (usted), no derives (tú), no derivemos (nosotros), no derivéis (vosotros), no deriven (ustedes).
Example Sentences
No derives la culpa a los demás.
Don't shift the blame to others.
tú
No deriven el asunto a mí, por favor.
Please don't refer the matter to me.
ustedes
No derivéis vuestros errores en la tecnología.
Don't blame your mistakes on technology.
vosotros
No derivemos esta responsabilidad.
Let's not pass this responsibility on.
nosotros
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the infinitive with 'no'.
Correct: Use 'no derives' instead of 'no derivar'.
Why: The infinitive is used in specific constructions, but negative commands require the subjunctive.
Mistake: Confusing 'no derive' (usted/él/ella) with 'no derives' (tú).
Correct: Remember the 'tú' form adds an 's': 'no derives'.
Why: The 'tú' form in the present subjunctive typically adds an 's' compared to the él/ella/usted form.
Master Spanish verbs in context
Memorizing tables only gets you so far. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories to see verbs like 'derivar' used naturally — in the tenses you're learning.
Related Tenses
Present
yo: derivo
The present tense of 'derivar' ('derivo') describes current actions, habits, or general truths.
Preterite
yo: derivé
The preterite of 'derivar' is regular: derivé, derivaste, derivó, derivamos, derivasteis, derivaron.
Imperfect
yo: derivaba
The imperfect of 'derivar' ('derivaba') describes past habits, ongoing actions, or background descriptions.
Future
yo: derivaré
The future tense of 'derivar' ('derivaré') indicates actions that will happen or expresses probability.
Conditional
yo: derivaría
The conditional of 'derivar' ('derivaría') is used for hypotheticals ('would derive'), polite requests, or future-in-the-past.
Present Subjunctive
yo: derive
The present subjunctive ('derive') is used for wishes, doubts, emotions, and recommendations about the present or future.
Imperfect Subjunctive
yo: derivara
The imperfect subjunctive ('derivara'/'derivase') expresses past doubts, wishes, or hypothetical situations.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: deriva
Use the imperative of 'derivar' for direct commands like 'deriva' (you, informal) or 'deriven' (you all).