desviar Negative Imperative Conjugation
desviar — to divert
Use 'no' + present subjunctive forms like no desvíes (tú) or no desvíen (ustedes) for negative commands.
desviar Negative Imperative Forms
When to Use the Negative Imperative
This is for telling someone *not* to do something. You might order someone not to divert attention, not to divert funds, or not to divert a vehicle.
Notes on desviar in the Negative Imperative
Desviar follows the standard pattern for negative commands, using the present subjunctive. The forms are regular based on the present subjunctive conjugation.
Example Sentences
No desvíes la atención del problema principal.
Don't divert attention from the main problem.
tú
No desvíen dinero a ese proyecto sin aprobación.
Don't divert money to that project without approval.
ustedes
No desviemos la conversación ahora, hablemos de esto.
Let's not divert the conversation now, let's talk about this.
nosotros
No desviéis la mirada de la carretera.
Don't look away from the road.
vosotros
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the infinitive: 'No desviar la mirada'.
Correct: Always use the subjunctive form with 'no' for commands: 'No desvíes la mirada'.
Why: The infinitive is never used for commands; the subjunctive is required after 'no' in this context.
Mistake: Confusing with affirmative imperative: 'No desvía' instead of 'No desvíes'.
Correct: Remember the negative command for 'tú' uses the subjunctive: 'No desvíes'.
Why: The 'tú' affirmative imperative is 'desvía', but the negative uses the 'yo' form of the present subjunctive ('desvíe') with 'no'.
Master Spanish verbs in context
Memorizing tables only gets you so far. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories to see verbs like 'desviar' used naturally — in the tenses you're learning.
Related Tenses
Present
yo: desvío
Use present forms like desvío (yo) or desvían (ellos/ellas/ustedes) for actions happening now or habitual actions of diverting.
Preterite
yo: desvié
Use preterite forms like desvié (yo) or desviaron (ellos/ellas/ustedes) for completed past actions of diverting.
Imperfect
yo: desviaba
Use imperfect forms like desviaba (yo) or desviaban (ellos/ellas/ustedes) for ongoing or habitual past actions of diverting.
Future
yo: desviaré
Use future forms like desviaré (yo) or desviarán (ellos/ellas/ustedes) for actions that will happen in the future.
Conditional
yo: desviaría
Use conditional forms like desviaría (yo) or desviarían (ellos/ellas/ustedes) for hypothetical situations ('would divert') or polite requests.
Present Subjunctive
yo: desvíe
Use present subjunctive forms like desvíe (yo/él/ella/usted) or desvíen (ustedes) after expressions of doubt, desire, or emotion.
Imperfect Subjunctive
yo: desviara
Use imperfect subjunctive forms like desviara or desviase for past hypothetical situations or wishes.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: desvía
Use imperative forms like desvía (tú) or desvíen (ustedes) for direct commands.