ostentar Negative Imperative Conjugation
ostentar — to show off
Negative commands use the present subjunctive: 'no ostentes' (don't show off), 'no ostenten' (don't show off).
ostentar Negative Imperative Forms
When to Use the Negative Imperative
Use the negative imperative with 'ostentar' to tell someone *not* to show off. It's like a warning or a prohibition.
Notes on ostentar in the Negative Imperative
All negative commands in Spanish use the present subjunctive form. So, 'ostentar' follows the regular present subjunctive pattern: no ostente, no ostentes, no ostentemos, no ostentéis, no ostenten.
Example Sentences
No ostentes tu nuevo reloj todo el tiempo.
Don't show off your new watch all the time.
tú
No ostenten sus posesiones delante de los que tienen menos.
Don't show off your possessions in front of those who have less.
No ostentemos esa actitud tan arrogante.
Let's not show off such an arrogant attitude.
nosotros
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the affirmative imperative instead of the subjunctive for a negative command.
Correct: For negative commands, always use the present subjunctive: 'no ostentes', not 'no ostenta'.
Why: Spanish grammar dictates that negative commands are formed using the subjunctive mood.
Mistake: Confusing the 'vosotros' form, writing 'no ostentéis' when addressing 'ustedes'.
Correct: Use 'no ostenten' for 'ustedes' (plural you, formal or Latin America) and 'no ostentéis' for 'vosotros' (plural you, informal Spain).
Why: These are distinct forms for different 'you plural' pronouns.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: ostento
The present tense 'ostento' describes habitual actions or things happening now.
Preterite
yo: ostenté
The preterite of 'ostentar' is regular: ostenté, ostentaste, ostentó, ostentamos, ostentasteis, ostentaron.
Imperfect
yo: ostentaba
The imperfect 'ostentaba' describes ongoing or habitual past actions of showing off.
Future
yo: ostentaré
The future tense 'ostentaré' talks about will happen, or expresses probability.
Conditional
yo: ostentaría
The conditional 'ostentaría' expresses hypotheticals ('would show off') or polite requests.
Present Subjunctive
yo: ostente
Use 'ostente' or 'ostentes' after expressions of doubt, desire, emotion, or uncertainty.
Imperfect Subjunctive
yo: ostentara
The imperfect subjunctive 'ostentara' or 'ostentase' is for past hypothetical situations or wishes.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: ostenta
Commands like 'ostenta' (you singular) or 'ostenten' (you plural) are used for direct orders with ostentar.