Let's! (Nosotros Commands)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use the 'nosotros' form of the present subjunctive to suggest an action for the group, including yourself.
- For most verbs, use the present subjunctive 'nosotros' form: 'Comamos' (Let's eat).
- For '-ir' stem-changing verbs, the 'nosotros' form keeps the stem change: 'Durmamos' (Let's sleep).
- When using reflexive or object pronouns, attach them to the end: 'Vámonos' (Let's go).
Overview
In Spanish, the expression of a collective suggestion—the "Let's..." construction in English—is handled by what grammarians call the hortatory subjunctive. While the name may seem academic, its function is straightforward: to propose, urge, or invite a group action that includes the speaker. This is the grammatical structure you use to say comamos (Let's eat) or no esperemos más (Let's not wait any longer).
It's a feature of communication that is inherently collaborative.
At the B2 level, moving beyond the more basic vamos a + infinitivo structure is a key indicator of fluency. While vamos a empezar is perfectly correct and common, using the single-word command empecemos (Let's begin) is more concise and often signals a higher command of the language, particularly in professional or slightly more formal settings. This form isn't a direct order like a tú or usted imperative; instead, it functions as a formal proposal for a shared activity.
Mastering it allows for more nuanced and contextually appropriate communication, marking a transition from functional to proficient Spanish.
This grammar point bridges the gap between stating an intention and issuing a command. It is the voice of a leader who is also a participant, the sound of a team deciding on its next move. Understanding its formation and use is essential for navigating group dynamics, from planning a night out with friends to leading a discussion in a business meeting.
It is the grammar of consensus and shared action.
How This Grammar Works
nosotros command is not a unique imperative mood in itself. Instead, it is a direct application of the present subjunctive. This is the core principle to grasp: the form you use for "Let's do something" is simply the nosotros/as conjugation of the present subjunctive.hagámoslo - Let's do it) and negative (no lo hagamos - Let's not do it) constructions. This consistency makes it simpler than tú commands, which have different forms for affirmative and negative.estudiemos (Let's study), the action of studying is not yet a reality; it's a suggestion being put forth to the group.estudiamos (we study / we are studying) reports a current action. The statement estudiaremos (we will study) reports a future fact.estudiemos, however, exists in the realm of suggestion. It is a call to action. This distinction is crucial.no vamos al cine is an indicative statement of fact: "We are not going to the movies." The command no vayamos al cine is a suggestion: "Let's not go to the movies." One describes reality, the other seeks to create it.¿Por qué no vamos? (Why don't we go?) but softer than a direct order. It implies cooperation and moves the group toward a common goal, making it an indispensable tool for social and professional interaction.Pensemos en una solución (Let's think of a solution) is an invitation for collective problem-solving, not a command for others to think.Formation Pattern
nosotros commands follows a consistent and predictable pattern based on the present subjunctive conjugation. The process starts with the yo form of the present indicative.
yo form of the verb in the present indicative tense.
-o to find the verb's stem.
nosotros ending:
-emos.
-amos.
hablar | hablo | habl- | hablemos | Let's talk |
correr | corro | corr- | corramos | Let's run |
abrir | abro | abr- | abramos | Let's open |
tener | tengo | teng- | tengamos | Let's have |
decir | digo | dig- | digamos | Let's say |
hacer | hago | hag- | hagamos | Let's do/make |
-car, -gar, and -zar undergo a spelling change before the -e of the ending.
practicar → practiquemos (Let's practice)
jugar → juguemos (Let's play)
empezar → empecemos (Let's begin)
e→ie or o→ue) do not stem-change in the nosotros command form. They revert to their infinitive stem. For example, pensar (I think: pienso) becomes pensemos (Let's think), not pensemos. Volver (I return: vuelvo) becomes volvamos (Let's return), not volvamos.
-ir verbs undergo a simplified, minor stem change in the nosotros command form.
pedir → pidamos (Let's ask for), sentir → sintamos (Let's feel/regret)
dormir → durmamos (Let's sleep), morir → muramos (Let's die)
-ar / -er | e → ie, o → ue | contar | contemos | No stem change in nosotros |
-ir | e → i | servir | sirvamos | Minor stem change occurs |
-ir | o → u | dormir | durmamos | Minor stem change occurs |
ser | seamos | Let's be |
estar | estemos | Let's be |
saber | sepamos | Let's know |
dar | demos | Let's give |
ir | vamos (affirmative) / no vayamos (negative) | Let's go / Let's not go |
ir is a special case. For the affirmative "Let's go," the present indicative form vamos is almost always used. The subjunctive form vayamos is grammatically correct but sounds extremely formal or archaic. However, for the negative command, you must use the subjunctive: no vayamos. Saying no vamos is simply a statement of fact ("we are not going").
When To Use It
nosotros command is crucial for sounding natural. Its use varies by context, formality, and intent.vamos a + infinitive can sometimes sound too informal or simplistic.Revisemos el informe antes de enviarlo.(Let's review the report before sending it.)Continuemos con el siguiente punto de la agenda.(Let's continue with the next item on the agenda.)
vamos a + infinitive are common. The choice often depends on the desired nuance.vamos a+ infinitive is a casual, low-pressure suggestion. It's very common in spoken Spanish.Vamos a pedir una pizza.(Let's order a pizza.)- The subjunctive command is slightly more direct and action-oriented. It feels like a decision has been made.
Pidamos una pizza.(Let's order a pizza.) It can also be used for emphasis or to rally the group:¡Salgamos ya!(Let's leave now!)
Cenemos en el restaurante nuevo. | A direct proposal. Confident and action-oriented. Standard for formal contexts, common in informal ones. |Vamos a cenar en el restaurante nuevo. | A casual, relaxed suggestion. The most common form in everyday spoken Spanish across all regions. |¿Por qué no cenamos en el restaurante nuevo? | An open-ended question. Softer and less direct, inviting discussion or alternatives. |nosotros command when you want to make a clear proposal, take the lead in a gentle way, or formalize a group decision. If you're simply floating an idea, vamos a or ¿por qué no...? may feel more appropriate.Common Mistakes
nosotros commands, particularly when object pronouns are involved.nos to an affirmative nosotros command, the final -s of the verb ending is dropped before adding the pronoun.verb-emos + nosverb-émonos | verb-amos + nos → verb-ámonossentarsentemos → sentémonos (Let's sit down.)- Incorrect:
sentémosnos - Correct:
ir→vamos→vámonos(Let's leave.) Note:irsemeans 'to leave', not just 'to go'. - Incorrect:
vamosnos
s-n consonant cluster. Importantly, this rule only applies to the affirmative command with nos. In the negative, the pronoun precedes the verb and no 's' is dropped: no nos sentemos.Comprar el libroComprémoslo (Let's buy it.)No comprar el libroNo lo compremos (Let's not buy it.)lo compremos) or attach it to a negative one (no comprémoslo).nosotros command form naturally has stress on the second-to-last syllable (e.g., ha-BLA-mos). Adding a pronoun makes it an esdrújula or sobresdrújula, requiring an accent.demos + ledémosle (Let's give to him/her.)comprando + se + locomprándoselo (Let's be buying it for him/her.) - gerund example for patterndigamos + se + lodigámoselo (Let's say it to him/her.) or o→u stem change for -ir verbs. Saying sirvamos instead of sirvamos, or dormamos instead of durmamos`, is a frequent mistake that marks a speaker as non-native.Real Conversations
Observing how these commands are used in natural contexts is key to mastering them.
Scenario 1
- Ana: Estoy aburrida. ¿Hacemos algo? (I'm bored. Are we doing something?)
- Carlos: Pidamos comida china y veamos una película en mi casa. (Let's order Chinese food and watch a movie at my place.)
- Luisa: ¡Perfecto! Pero no pidamos el de siempre. Probemos el restaurante nuevo de la calle Sol. (Perfect! But let's not order from the usual place. Let's try the new restaurant on Sol street.)
Scenario 2
- Subject: Preparación para la reunión con el cliente
- Body: Hola equipo, para prepararnos para la reunión del viernes, analicemos los datos de ventas del último trimestre. Adjunto el archivo. Revisémoslo y preparemos nuestras conclusiones para mañana. No dejemos nada al azar. (Hi team, to prepare for Friday's client meeting, let's analyze last quarter's sales data. I'm attaching the file. Let's review it and prepare our conclusions for tomorrow. Let's not leave anything to chance.)
Scenario 3
- During a difficult hike: ¡Venga, no nos rindamos ahora! Sigamos un poco más, ya casi llegamos a la cima. (Come on, let's not give up now! Let's keep going a little further, we've almost reached the summit.)
- Celebrating a small victory: ¡Brindemos por nuestro éxito! (Let's toast to our success!)
Quick FAQ
vamos a + infinitive all the time?In casual conversation, yes, you will be understood perfectly. It's the most common informal structure. However, to achieve B2 proficiency and sound more natural in formal or professional settings, mastering the subjunctive command (hablemos, escribamos) is essential. It demonstrates a more sophisticated command of the language.
comprémoselo?The original verb form, compremos, has its natural stress on the 'e' (com-PRE-mos). When you attach two pronouns (se and lo), the word becomes comprémoselo. To keep the stress in the same place, a written accent is required. Without it, the stress would naturally fall on the 'se' (com-pre-MO-se-lo), which is incorrect.
vayamos for "Let's go"?Yes, vayamos is the grammatically correct present subjunctive of ir. However, in everyday speech, its use for the affirmative "Let's go" is extremely rare and sounds very formal, poetic, or even theatrical. You might see it in literature or hear it in a very formal speech. For all practical purposes, use vamos. For the negative "Let's not go," you must use no vayamos.
vámonos. Why isn't it dropped in no nos vayamos?The 's' is dropped only when the pronoun nos is attached to an affirmative command. This is a phonetic rule to make the word easier to pronounce. In a negative command, the pronoun nos comes before the verb (no nos vayamos). Since it is not attached, there is no need to drop the 's' from the verb ending.
You follow the same rules as with other commands. The indirect object pronoun comes before the direct object pronoun. If both begin with 'l' (le lo), the indirect le changes to se. The pronouns are attached to the end of affirmative commands and placed before negative commands. For example: dar + el regalo (lo) + a ella (le) → démoselo (Let's give it to her). The negative would be no se lo demos.
Nosotros Command Conjugation
| Infinitive | Present Subjunctive (Nosotros) | Command Form |
|---|---|---|
|
Hablar
|
Hablemos
|
¡Hablemos!
|
|
Comer
|
Comamos
|
¡Comamos!
|
|
Vivir
|
Vivamos
|
¡Vivamos!
|
|
Dormir
|
Durmamos
|
¡Durmamos!
|
|
Sentarse
|
Sentémonos
|
¡Sentémonos!
|
|
Ir
|
Vayamos
|
¡Vayamos!
|
Meanings
The 'nosotros' command is used to express a suggestion, invitation, or command that includes the speaker and the listener(s).
Suggestion
Proposing an activity to a group.
“¡Comamos pizza hoy!”
“Estudiemos juntos.”
Exhortation
Encouraging a group to perform an action.
“¡Luchemos por nuestros derechos!”
“Cambiemos el mundo.”
Reflexive Command
Actions involving the group itself.
“¡Sentémonos aquí!”
“Apuremonos, que es tarde.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Verb(subj) + Pronoun
|
¡Démoslo!
|
|
Negative
|
No + Pronoun + Verb(subj)
|
¡No lo demos!
|
|
Reflexive
|
Verb(subj) - s + nos
|
¡Sentémonos!
|
|
Irregular (Ir)
|
Vamos (Aff) / Vayamos (Neg)
|
¡Vamos! / ¡No vayamos!
|
|
Object Pronouns
|
Verb(subj) + Pronoun
|
¡Comámoslo!
|
|
Indirect Object
|
Verb(subj) + IO
|
¡Démosle!
|
Formality Spectrum
Comamos, por favor. (Dining)
¡Comamos! (Dining)
¡Vamos a comer! (Dining)
¡A darle! (Dining)
Nosotros Command Logic
Formation
- -ar -> -emos Hablar -> Hablemos
- -er/-ir -> -amos Comer -> Comamos
Reflexive
- Drop 's' Sentemos -> Sentémonos
Examples by Level
¡Comamos!
Let's eat!
¡Vamos!
Let's go!
¡Estudiemos!
Let's study!
¡Bailamos!
Let's dance!
¡Sentémonos aquí!
Let's sit here!
¡No corramos!
Let's not run!
¡Escribamos la carta!
Let's write the letter!
¡Leamos este libro!
Let's read this book!
¡Durmamos un poco!
Let's sleep a little!
¡Pidamos la cuenta!
Let's ask for the check!
¡Sigamos adelante!
Let's keep going!
¡No nos preocupemos!
Let's not worry!
¡Comprémoslo ahora!
Let's buy it now!
¡Vayamos al cine!
Let's go to the movies!
¡Démosle una oportunidad!
Let's give it a chance!
¡No se lo digamos!
Let's not tell him!
¡Luchemos por lo que es justo!
Let's fight for what is fair!
¡Reconsideremos nuestra postura!
Let's reconsider our position!
¡Hagámonos cargo del problema!
Let's take charge of the problem!
¡No nos dejemos vencer!
Let's not let ourselves be defeated!
¡Incorporemos estos cambios al protocolo!
Let's incorporate these changes into the protocol!
¡Emanemos confianza en el proyecto!
Let's exude confidence in the project!
¡No nos sustraigamos a nuestras obligaciones!
Let's not shirk our obligations!
¡Aunemos esfuerzos para lograrlo!
Let's join efforts to achieve it!
Easily Confused
Learners confuse 'Comeremos' (We will eat) with 'Comamos' (Let's eat).
Learners use 'tú' commands for groups.
Learners think this is the only way to say 'Let's'.
Common Mistakes
¡Comer!
¡Comamos!
¡Nosotros comemos!
¡Comamos!
¡Comemos!
¡Comamos!
¡Vamos comer!
¡Comamos!
¡Sentemosnos!
¡Sentémonos!
¡Vayamos al cine!
¡Vamos al cine!
¡Dormemos!
¡Durmamos!
¡Comamoslo!
¡Comámoslo!
¡No lo comamos!
¡No lo comamos!
¡Pidamoslo!
¡Pidámoslo!
¡Luchemoslo!
¡Luchemos por ello!
¡Seamosmos!
¡Seamos!
¡Vayamosmos!
¡Vayamos!
Sentence Patterns
¡___ (verb) ___ (place)!
¡No ___ (verb) ___ (object)!
¡___ (verb) + ___ (pronoun)!
¡___ (verb) + ___ (pronoun) + ___ (adverb)!
Real World Usage
¡Vamos al cine!
Analicemos los datos.
Pidamos pizza.
Tomemos un taxi.
¡Luchemos juntos!
Consideremos esta opción.
The 's' rule
Irregularity
Accent marks
Regional preference
Smart Tips
Always drop the 's' before adding 'nos'.
Use 'Vamos' for affirmative, 'Vayamos' for negative.
Remember the accent mark.
Use the subjunctive form for a more natural sound.
Pronunciation
Accentuation
When adding pronouns, the stress shifts, requiring a written accent.
Exclamatory
¡Comamos! ↑
Enthusiastic suggestion.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Remember: 'We' are the 'emos' (for -ar) and 'amos' (for -er/-ir) of the party!
Visual Association
Imagine a group of people holding hands in a circle. They are all wearing shirts that say 'EMOS' or 'AMOS'. When they sit down, they drop their 'S' hats on the floor.
Rhyme
For -ar use -emos, for -er/-ir use -amos, to suggest a plan, that's the way to go, man!
Story
Maria and Juan are hungry. Maria says, '¡Comamos!' (Let's eat). They go to the kitchen. Juan says, '¡Sentémonos!' (Let's sit down). They eat together.
Word Web
Challenge
For the next 5 minutes, write down 5 things you want to do with your friends using the 'Let's' command.
Cultural Notes
Commonly uses 'Vamos a + infinitive' instead of the subjunctive form.
The subjunctive form is standard and very common.
Uses 'Vamos a' frequently, often with 'che'.
The 'nosotros' command evolved from the Latin hortatory subjunctive.
Conversation Starters
¿Qué hacemos hoy?
¿Qué te parece si estudiamos?
¿Cómo resolvemos este problema?
¿Por qué no analizamos las opciones?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
¡___ (comer) pizza!
¡___ (sentarse) aquí!
Find and fix the mistake:
¡Vamos a comerlo!
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Let's sleep.
Answer starts with: Dur...
¡No ___ (ir) al cine!
¡___ (escribir) la carta!
Find and fix the mistake:
¡Démosle!
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises¡___ (comer) pizza!
¡___ (sentarse) aquí!
Find and fix the mistake:
¡Vamos a comerlo!
ahora / lo / Comámos
Let's sleep.
¡No ___ (ir) al cine!
¡___ (escribir) la carta!
Find and fix the mistake:
¡Démosle!
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesEl bus está por salir, ¡no lo ___!
Es peligroso, no hagamoslo.
Order the words:
Translate:
Choose the correct 'Let's leave':
Match the following:
Es un buen tema, ___ sobre esto.
Esta canción es genial, bailemoslo.
Choose the correct form:
Order the words:
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
It's a phonetic rule to avoid the 'ss' sound when adding 'nos'.
Only for affirmative commands. Use 'Vayamos' for negative.
Yes, it's very common in Latin America.
On the stressed syllable before the pronoun.
It's neutral; it depends on the verb choice.
They keep the stem change in the 'nosotros' form.
No, it must include at least one other person.
It's the perfect way to include yourself in the group's action.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Let's + verb
Spanish conjugates the verb; English does not.
Allons + infinitive
French imperative is more direct.
Lass uns...
German uses a modal structure.
-you form
Japanese uses a suffix.
Jussive mood
Arabic uses prefixes.
Ba... (let's)
Chinese has no verb conjugation.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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