estrechar Affirmative Imperative Conjugation
estrechar — to shake hands
Use the imperative of estrechar for direct commands: ¡estrecha!, ¡estrechemos!, ¡estrechen!, ¡estrechad!
estrechar Affirmative Imperative Forms
When to Use the Affirmative Imperative
The imperative is for giving direct orders or making requests. For 'estrechar,' you'd use it to tell someone to shake hands, like '¡Estrecha mi mano!' (Shake my hand!).
Notes on estrechar in the Affirmative Imperative
Estrechar is regular in the imperative mood. The tú form 'estrecha' is unique, while the nosotros and ustedes forms ('estrechemos', 'estrechen') match the present subjunctive.
Example Sentences
¡Estrecha la mano de tu nuevo colega!
Shake your new colleague's hand!
tú
¡Estrechemos lazos de amistad!
Let's strengthen ties of friendship!
nosotros
Señores, ¡estrechen sus manos como señal de acuerdo!
Gentlemen, shake your hands as a sign of agreement!
ustedes
¡Estrechad la mano con firmeza!
Shake hands firmly!
vosotros
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the subjunctive form 'estreches' instead of the imperative 'estrecha' for tú.
Correct: For a direct command to 'tú', use 'estrecha'.
Why: 'No estreches mi mano' is a negative command (subjunctive), but 'Estrecha mi mano' is a positive command (imperative).
Mistake: Confusing nosotros imperative 'estrechemos' with present indicative 'estrechamos'.
Correct: The imperative 'estrechemos' is used for commands like 'Let's shake hands!', while the present 'estrechamos' describes a current action like 'We shake hands'.
Why: While the forms look alike, the context of a command or suggestion clarifies the imperative's use.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: estrecho
The present tense of estrechar is regular: estrecho, estrechas, estrecha, estrechamos, estrecháis, estrechan.
Preterite
yo: estreché
The preterite of estrechar is regular: estreché, estrechaste, estrechó, estrechamos, estrechasteis, estrecharon.
Imperfect
yo: estrechaba
The imperfect of estrechar is regular: estrechaba, estrechabas, estrechaba, estrechábamos, estrechabais, estrechaban.
Future
yo: estrecharé
The future tense of estrechar is regular: estrecharé, estrecharás, estrechará, estrecharemos, estrecharéis, estrecharán.
Conditional
yo: estrecharía
The conditional of estrechar is regular: estrecharía, estrecharías, estrecharía, estrecharíamos, estrecharíais, estrecharían.
Present Subjunctive
yo: estreche
The present subjunctive of estrechar (estreche, estreches, etc.) is used after expressions of doubt, emotion, or desire.
Imperfect Subjunctive
yo: estrechara
The imperfect subjunctive of estrechar (estrechara/estrechase) is used for past hypotheticals or polite requests.
Negative Imperative
yo: no estreches
Use 'no' + present subjunctive for negative commands: ¡no estreches!, ¡no estrechemos!, ¡no estrechen!, ¡no estrechéis!