Imperative — Expressing Greater Politeness

Imperative — Expressing Greater Politeness

Greater politeness may be shown by using: el favor de (plus infinitive); la bondad de (plus infinitive); or por favor preceding or following a regular command form.

Hagan Uds. el favor de esperar.
Would you mind waiting, please.

Haga Ud. el favor de pasar por aquí.
Come this way, if you please.

Tenga Ud. la bondad de firmar aquí.
Please sign here.

¿Tendría Ud. la bondad de cerrar la puerta, por favor?
Would you be so kind as to close the door?

Venga Ud. por aquí, por favor.
Come this way, please.

Se ruega silencio.
Silence please.

Note that the infinitive is often used in instructions (particulary on packaging or in recipes).

Abrir aquí.
Open here.

Enfriar antes servir.
Chill before serving.

No tocar.
Do not touch.

No pisar el césped.
Do not walk on the grass.