B2 Advanced Syntax 14 min read Medium

Reported Commands: Telling someone what was ordered (me dijo que + subjunctive)

Switch to the imperfect subjunctive after 'me dijo que' to report commands and requests accurately in Spanish.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

When reporting a command, use 'me dijo que' followed by the subjunctive mood to convey the instruction indirectly.

  • Use 'me dijo que' + subjunctive for commands: 'Me dijo que limpiara la casa.'
  • The tense of the subjunctive depends on the main verb: 'dijo' (past) triggers imperfect subjunctive.
  • Negative commands follow the same structure: 'Me dijo que no saliera.'
Subject A + dijo que + Subject B + Subjunctive Verb

Overview

Reporting what someone else ordered or requested is a fundamental aspect of communication, allowing you to relay instructions or influences without directly quoting the original speaker. In Spanish, this process involves a specific grammatical construction known as reported commands, often utilizing a main verb of saying or asking followed by que and a verb in the imperfect subjunctive. This structure is essential for expressing that an action was desired, requested, or commanded by someone else, making it a crucial skill for B2 learners to master the nuances of indirect speech.

This pattern moves beyond simply reporting facts. Instead, it conveys an element of intention, influence, or obligation imposed by the original speaker on another party. For instance, if your friend tells you, “Llama a tu mamá,” you might later tell someone, “Me dijo que llamara a mi mamá.” The shift to the subjunctive mood is not arbitrary; it linguistically signals that the reported content is a command or wish, rather than a statement of objective reality.

Understanding this distinction is key to achieving native-like fluency and precision in Spanish.

How This Grammar Works

Reported commands operate on the principle of subordination, where a main clause introduces the act of reporting, and a subordinate clause contains the content of the command. The main clause typically features a verb of communication or influence in a past tense, such as decir (to tell), pedir (to ask/request), mandar (to order), sugerir (to suggest), or aconsejar (to advise). These verbs act as trigger verbs for the subjunctive mood in the subordinate clause because they express a volitional act—a command, request, or suggestion—rather than a statement of certainty.
The core linguistic mechanism at play is the sequence of tenses in indirect speech, particularly when the main verb is in a past tense (preterite or imperfect). When the reporting verb is in the past, the verb in the subordinate clause, which expresses the command, must shift to the imperfect subjunctive. This tense consistency ensures that the entire statement maintains a coherent temporal reference within the past narrative.
The imperfect subjunctive is the appropriate mood and tense here because the command itself was given in the past and its execution was uncertain or hypothetical at the time of reporting.
Consider the sentence “La doctora me dijo que tomara las pastillas.” Here, dijo (preterite of decir) reports the command. The que introduces the subordinate clause, and tomara (imperfect subjunctive of tomar) reflects the doctor's instruction. The use of the subjunctive tomara indicates that the action of taking the pills was a directive, not a statement of fact that you were taking them.
This grammatical choice highlights the subjective nature of the reported content, emphasizing it as an instruction or desire rather than an accomplished event.
This structure reflects a fundamental characteristic of Spanish grammar where the subjunctive is deployed to communicate non-factual information, including wishes, emotions, doubts, and, crucially, commands or recommendations. By using the imperfect subjunctive, you convey that the command was issued in the past and its fulfillment was either pending or not necessarily realized at the time of the original utterance, marking it as a subjective reality rather than an objective truth.

Formation Pattern

1
Forming reported commands involves a consistent three-part structure. You begin with the reporting verb, typically in the past tense, followed by the conjunction que, and conclude with the commanded action expressed in the imperfect subjunctive. This pattern holds true across various contexts and reporting verbs, providing a reliable framework for indirect commands.
2
1. Reporting Verb (Past Tense): The reporting verb establishes who gave the command and when. The most common tenses for this are the preterite (él dijo, ella pidió) for completed actions in the past, or the imperfect (él decía, ella pedía) for habitual or ongoing actions in the past. The choice between preterite and imperfect depends on the context of the original command.
3
Mi madre me dijo que lavara los platos. (My mother told me to wash the dishes – a specific past command).
4
Siempre nos pedían que llegáramos temprano. (They always asked us to arrive early – a habitual past command).
5
2. Conjunction que: This conjunction is mandatory and acts as the bridge connecting the main clause to the subordinate clause containing the command. It translates roughly to "that" in English, but it is not optional as it often is in spoken English.
6
El profesor aconsejó que estudiáramos más. (The professor advised that we study more).
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3. Imperfect Subjunctive: This is the crucial element that signals the reported content as a command or request. The imperfect subjunctive has two common forms, -ra and -se endings, both of which are generally interchangeable, though -ra forms are more prevalent in spoken Latin American Spanish, while both are common in Spain.
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Nos pidieron que fuéramos a la reunión. (They asked us to go to the meeting) – (-ra form of ir).
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Me sugirió que leyese el libro. (He suggested that I read the book) – (-se form of leer).
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General Pattern:
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| Subject | Reporting Verb (Past) | Indirect Object Pronoun (Optional) | que | Subject (Implicit) | Imperfect Subjunctive |
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| :------ | :-------------------- | :--------------------------------- | :---- | :----------------- | :-------------------- |
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| Él | dijo | me | que | yo | ayudara |
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| La jefa | mandó | nos | que | nosotros | trabajáramos |
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| Mis amigos | pidieron | le | que | ella | viniera |
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Formation of the Imperfect Subjunctive:
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To form the imperfect subjunctive, take the third-person plural preterite form of the verb, remove the -ron ending, and add the imperfect subjunctive endings:
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| Verb (Infinitive) | 3rd Plural Preterite | Stem | -ra Endings | -se Endings |
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| :---------------- | :------------------- | :---------- | :-------------------------------- | :-------------------------------- |
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| hablar | hablaron | habla- | hablara, hablaras, hablara, habláramos, hablarais, hablaran | hablase, hablases, hablase, hablásemos, hablaseis, hablasen |
21
| comer | comieron | comie- | comiera, comieras, comiera, comiéramos, comierais, comieran | comiese, comieses, comiese, comiésemos, comieseis, comiesen |\
22
| vivir | vivieron | vivie- | viviera, vivieras, viviera, viviéramos, vivierais, vivieran | viviese, vivieses, viviese, viviésemos, vivieseis, viviesen |
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| ser/ir | fueron | fue- | fuera, fueras, fuera, fuéramos, fuerais, fueran | fuese, fueses, fuese, fuésemos, fueseis, fuesen |
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| tener | tuvieron | tuvie- | tuviera, tuvieras, tuviera, tuviéramos, tuvierais, tuvieran | tuviese, tuvieses, tuviese, tuviésemos, tuvieseis, tuviesen |
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This methodical approach to conjugation ensures that your reported commands are grammatically sound and clearly convey the original intent of the instruction.

When To Use It

The reported command structure is highly versatile and frequently used across all domains of communication in Spanish. Its primary function is to relay an instruction, request, or suggestion that was originally given by someone else. You will employ this grammar whenever you need to indicate that an action was not of your own volition but was prompted or ordered by another party.
Everyday Interactions: In daily conversations, you'll use it to recount directives. For example, telling a friend what your spouse asked you to do: “Mi esposa me pidió que comprara pan en el supermercado.” (My wife asked me to buy bread at the supermarket). Or describing what a public announcement instructed: “En el aeropuerto, nos dijeron que pasáramos por seguridad.” (At the airport, they told us to go through security).
Professional Settings: This pattern is indispensable in the workplace for reporting tasks or advice. If your manager assigns a task, you might tell a colleague: “La gerenta nos sugirió que revisáramos el informe con atención.” (The manager suggested that we review the report carefully). In emails, you might write: “El cliente pidió que le enviáramos la propuesta antes del viernes.” (The client asked that we send him the proposal before Friday).
Social and Cultural Contexts: When discussing social expectations or advice from elders, this structure is natural. “Mis abuelos siempre me decían que fuera respetuoso con los mayores.” (My grandparents always told me to be respectful to elders). Even in modern digital communication, like relaying app instructions: “La aplicación me indicó que actualizara mi perfil.” (The app told me to update my profile).
  • Relaying advice: El médico le aconsejó que dejara de fumar. (The doctor advised him to stop smoking.)
  • Reporting rules/regulations: Las reglas estipulaban que no se hablara durante el examen. (The rules stipulated that one not speak during the exam.)
  • Passing on indirect orders: Me dijo el entrenador que llegáramos a las cinco. (The coach told me that we arrive at five.)
This structure allows you to accurately convey the imperative nature of the original message without using direct quotes, making your speech sound more natural and integrated into the narrative. It’s a marker of sophisticated communication, distinguishing between a simple statement of fact and a report of a directive.

Common Mistakes

Learners frequently encounter specific challenges when forming reported commands, primarily revolving around mood and tense selection. Being aware of these pitfalls can significantly improve accuracy and prevent miscommunication.
  1. 1Incorrect Mood (Indicative vs. Subjunctive): The most prevalent error is using the indicative mood instead of the subjunctive. For instance, saying “Me dijo que voy” (He told me that I go) instead of “Me dijo que fuera” (He told me to go). Using the indicative fundamentally changes the meaning, implying that the reported content is a fact (he told me that I am going), rather than a command or request. The subjunctive is non-negotiable for expressing the influence or directive.
  1. 1Incorrect Tense Sequence: Another common mistake is mismatching the tenses between the reporting verb and the reported command. If the reporting verb is in a past tense (dijo, pidió), the command verb must be in the imperfect subjunctive (fuera, hiciera). Using the present subjunctive (vaya, haga) after a past reporting verb (“Me dijo que vaya”) is grammatically incorrect and disrupts the temporal coherence of the sentence.
  1. 1Omitting the Indirect Object Pronoun: In many cases, you need to specify who received the command. Forgetting the indirect object pronoun (me, te, le, nos, les) can lead to ambiguity or grammatical error. While “Dijo que estudiara” might be understood in context, “Me dijo que estudiara” is grammatically more complete and clearer, specifying who was told to study.
  1. 1Inappropriate Choice of Reporting Verb: While decir and pedir are versatile, overuse of stronger verbs like ordenar (to order) can sound overly formal or aggressive in casual contexts. “Me ordenó que limpiara” (He ordered me to clean) carries a much stronger implication than “Me pidió que limpiara” (He asked me to clean). Choose your reporting verb carefully to reflect the tone and intensity of the original command.
  1. 1Forgetting que: The conjunction que is essential in this structure. Omitting it (“Me dijo lavara los platos”) is a grammatical error, as que formally links the main clause to the subordinate subjunctive clause.
  • Avoid: Me dijo que haré el informe. (Incorrect: indicative future)
  • Correct: Me dijo que hiciera el informe. (Correct: imperfect subjunctive)
  • Avoid: Nos pidió estudiamos el capítulo. (Incorrect: indicative present, missing que)
  • Correct: Nos pidió que estudiáramos el capítulo. (Correct: imperfect subjunctive, with que)
Mastering these nuances requires consistent practice and attention to the specific roles of mood and tense in Spanish.

Real Conversations

Understanding how reported commands function in authentic dialogue is crucial for practical application. These examples illustrate the structure in various modern contexts, from casual exchanges to professional communication.

S

Scenario 1

Relaying a parent's instruction via text

```

A

Amiga 1

¿Por qué no vienes al cine?
A

Amiga 2

¡Ay, no puedo! Mi mamá me dijo que limpiara mi habitación antes de salir. Ya sabes cómo es.
A

Amiga 1

Uf, qué pereza. ¿Y qué tal si le dices que ya lo hiciste?
A

Amiga 2

¡Imposible! Ella siempre me pide que sea honesta. Y además, siempre revisa.

```

In this exchange, me dijo que limpiara directly uses the reported command, illustrating how a past instruction is conveyed. The second friend's reply, Ella siempre me pide que sea honesta, shows the use of the present tense reporting verb pide with the present subjunctive sea for a habitual request, reinforcing the mood consistency rule.

S

Scenario 2

Discussing work tasks in the office

```

C

Colega A

¿Terminaste con el reporte de ventas?
C

Colega B

Casi. El jefe me pidió que agregara las proyecciones del último trimestre.
C

Colega A

Ah, claro. A mí me sugirió que revisara todos los datos dos veces, por si acaso.
C

Colega B

Sí, siempre nos aconseja que tengamos mucho cuidado con los números.

```

Here, me pidió que agregara and me sugirió que revisara demonstrate reporting specific past requests from a superior. siempre nos aconseja que tengamos again illustrates a habitual present advice with present subjunctive, showing the flexibility of the pattern based on the reporting verb's tense.

S

Scenario 3

A casual social situation, recalling advice

```

J

Juan

No sé qué hacer con mi currículum. Nadie me llama.
M

María

Recuerda lo que la profesora de carrera nos dijo: que personalizáramos cada currículum para la empresa. No solo enviar el mismo a todos.
J

Juan

Tienes razón. También nos recomendó que practicáramos las entrevistas en voz alta.
M

María

Exacto. Ella siempre insiste en que estemos bien preparados.

```

These dialogues highlight how decir, pedir, sugerir, aconsejar, and recomendar are frequently used as reporting verbs, followed by que and the appropriate subjunctive tense. The examples reflect both specific past commands and general, ongoing advice, showcasing the versatility and natural integration of this grammar point into everyday Spanish.

Quick FAQ

Here are answers to common questions about reported commands, addressing nuances and clarifying frequent points of confusion.
  • Can I use the present subjunctive after a past reporting verb?
  • No, this is a common error. If the reporting verb is in a past tense (preterite or imperfect), the verb in the subordinate clause must be in the imperfect subjunctive to maintain proper sequence of tenses. For example, “Me dijo que viniera” is correct, while “Me dijo que venga” is incorrect. The present subjunctive (venga) is only used if the reporting verb is also in the present tense, e.g., “Me dice que venga” (He tells me to come [now]).
  • Are viniera and viniese interchangeable?
  • Yes, both the -ra and -se forms of the imperfect subjunctive are grammatically correct and generally interchangeable. The -ra form (viniera, comiera, viviera) is more common in spoken Latin American Spanish and often feels more colloquial. The -se form (viniese, comiese, viviese) can sound slightly more formal or literary, particularly in Spain, but both are widely understood and accepted. Choose the form you are most comfortable with, or adapt to regional preferences.
  • How do I form a negative reported command?
  • To make a reported command negative, simply place no directly before the imperfect subjunctive verb. The structure remains the same otherwise. For example: “Mi padre me pidió que no llegara tarde a casa.” (My father asked me not to arrive home late.) Or, “La maestra nos dijo que no habláramos durante la prueba.” (The teacher told us not to speak during the test.)
  • Is the conjunction que always necessary?
  • Yes, que is an essential component of this structure. It functions as the conjunction that introduces the subordinate clause containing the reported command. Omitting it makes the sentence grammatically incorrect. For example, “Me dijo estudiara” is wrong; it must be “Me dijo que estudiara.” This que is not optional, unlike in some English constructions where "that" can be dropped.
  • What's the difference between me dijo que + imperfect subjunctive and quería que + imperfect subjunctive?
  • Both structures express a desire or influence, but with a subtle yet important distinction. Me dijo que + imperfect subjunctive specifically reports an explicit verbal command or request that was uttered. It means "He told me to..." or "He asked me to...". In contrast, Quería que + imperfect subjunctive expresses a desire or wish without necessarily implying an explicit verbal command. It means "He wanted me to...". While the outcome might be similar, me dijo que emphasizes the direct communication of the command, whereas quería que focuses on the speaker's underlying wish or intention, which might not have been verbally expressed as a direct command. For example, “Mi jefe me dijo que entregara el informe” (My boss told me to turn in the report) indicates a direct instruction. “Mi jefe quería que entregara el informe” (My boss wanted me to turn in the report) implies his desire, which he might have communicated subtly, or you inferred it.

Imperfect Subjunctive Endings (-ra form)

Pronoun -AR verbs -ER/-IR verbs
Yo
-ara
-iera
Tú
-aras
-ieras
Él/Ella
-ara
-iera
Nosotros
-áramos
-iéramos
Ellos/Ellas
-aran
-ieran

Meanings

This structure is used to report an order, request, or piece of advice given by someone else in the past.

1

Reporting Orders

Relaying a direct command given by another person.

“Me dijo que cerrara la puerta.”

“Ella me dijo que no hablara con él.”

2

Reporting Advice

Relaying a suggestion or piece of advice.

“Mi madre me dijo que comiera más fruta.”

“El médico me dijo que descansara.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Reported Commands: Telling someone what was ordered (me dijo que + subjunctive)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
dijo que + subj
Me dijo que fuera.
Negative
dijo que no + subj
Me dijo que no fuera.
Question
¿Te dijo que + subj?
¿Te dijo que fueras?
Advice
dijo que + subj
Me dijo que descansara.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
El director me dijo que esperara.

El director me dijo que esperara. (Professional vs casual)

Neutral
Me dijo que esperara.

Me dijo que esperara. (Professional vs casual)

Informal
Me dijo que esperase.

Me dijo que esperase. (Professional vs casual)

Slang
Me soltó que esperara.

Me soltó que esperara. (Professional vs casual)

Reported Command Flow

Dijo que

Mood

  • Subjuntivo Subjunctive

Tense

  • Imperfecto Imperfect
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Examples by Level

1

Me dijo que estudiara.

He told me to study.

2

Me dijo que comiera.

He told me to eat.

3

Me dijo que saliera.

He told me to go out.

4

Me dijo que corriera.

He told me to run.

1

Mi jefe me dijo que trabajara hoy.

My boss told me to work today.

2

Ella me dijo que no hablara.

She told me not to speak.

3

Me dijo que comprara pan.

He told me to buy bread.

4

Me dijo que esperara aquí.

He told me to wait here.

1

El médico me dijo que hiciera ejercicio.

The doctor told me to exercise.

2

Me dijo que no llegara tarde.

He told me not to arrive late.

3

Me dijo que leyera el libro.

He told me to read the book.

4

Me dijo que llamara a mi madre.

He told me to call my mother.

1

El cliente me dijo que enviara el presupuesto.

The client told me to send the quote.

2

Me dijo que no me preocupara por eso.

He told me not to worry about that.

3

Me dijo que buscara una solución.

He told me to look for a solution.

4

Me dijo que fuera a la reunión.

He told me to go to the meeting.

1

Me dijo que reconsiderara mi postura.

He told me to reconsider my position.

2

Me dijo que no revelara la información.

He told me not to reveal the information.

3

Me dijo que implementara los cambios.

He told me to implement the changes.

4

Me dijo que analizara los datos.

He told me to analyze the data.

1

El director me dijo que procediera con cautela.

The director told me to proceed with caution.

2

Me dijo que no escatimara en gastos.

He told me not to spare any expenses.

3

Me dijo que priorizara la seguridad.

He told me to prioritize safety.

4

Me dijo que delegara las tareas.

He told me to delegate the tasks.

Easily Confused

Reported Commands: Telling someone what was ordered (me dijo que + subjunctive) vs Indicative vs Subjunctive

Learners use indicative for facts and subjunctive for commands.

Common Mistakes

✗

Me dijo que estudio.

✓

Me dijo que estudiara.

Indicative used instead of subjunctive.
✗

Me dijo estudiar.

✓

Me dijo que estudiara.

Missing 'que' and conjugation.
✗

Me dijo que estudiaré.

✓

Me dijo que estudiara.

Future tense used instead of imperfect subjunctive.
✗

Me dijo que he estudiado.

✓

Me dijo que estudiara.

Perfect tense used incorrectly.

Sentence Patterns

Me dijo que ___ (verb).

Real World Usage

Workplace very common

Mi jefe me dijo que terminara el reporte.

Doctor's visit common

El doctor me dijo que tomara la pastilla.

Texting common

Me dijo que llegara pronto.

Parenting constant

Mi madre me dijo que limpiara mi cuarto.

Travel occasional

El guía me dijo que no saliera del grupo.

Job Interview common

Me dijeron que esperara en la sala.

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💡

The 'Que' Rule

Always remember the 'que' after 'dijo'. It is the bridge to the subjunctive.
⚠️

No Infinitives

Never use the infinitive after 'dijo que'. It is the most common error.
🎯

Imperfect Subjunctive

If the main verb is past, the subjunctive must be imperfect.
💬

Regional Variation

In Spain, you might hear '-se' endings, but '-ra' is universally understood.

Smart Tips

Think 'dijo que' = 'told me to'.

Me dijo que limpiar. → Me dijo que limpiara.

Use the imperfect subjunctive.

Me dijo que estudie. → Me dijo que estudiara.

Use 'me pidió que' instead of 'me dijo que'.

Me dijo que hiciera esto. → Me pidió que hiciera esto.

Remember -ra for all verbs.

Me dijo que coma. → Me dijo que comiera.

Pronunciation

es-tu-DIA-ra

Subjunctive endings

Ensure the stress is on the syllable before the ending.

Reporting

Me dijo que... (falling intonation)

Stating a fact about a command.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Dijo que + Subjuntivo = 'He said to do it'.

Visual Association

Imagine a boss pointing at a desk (dijo que) and a cloud of 'ra/iera' endings floating over the desk.

Rhyme

Si quieres reportar una orden, el subjuntivo debes usar, con 'dijo que' al empezar.

Story

Juan was late. His boss said, 'Work harder!' Later, Juan told me: 'Mi jefe me dijo que trabajara más.'

Word Web

dijoqueordenarpedirsubjuntivoimperfecto

Challenge

Write 5 things your teacher told you to do last week using this structure.

Cultural Notes

The -se ending (esperase) is more common than in Latin America.

The -ra ending is standard.

Often uses 'vos' forms in direct speech, but reported commands remain standard.

Derived from Latin 'dicere' (to say) and the subjunctive mood which expresses volition.

Conversation Starters

“

¿Qué te dijo tu jefe ayer?

“

¿Qué te dijo tu madre de niño?

“

¿Qué te dijo el médico?

“

¿Qué te dijo tu profesor?

Journal Prompts

Describe a time you received a difficult order.
What advice did your parents give you?

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank.

Mi padre me dijo que ___ (estudiar) más.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: estudiara
Requires imperfect subjunctive.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Me dijo que viniera.
Subjunctive is required.
Fix the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Me dijo que limpiar la casa.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Me dijo que limpiara la casa.
Must use 'que' + subjunctive.
Transform to reported command. Sentence Transformation

Direct: '¡Limpia la casa!' -> Reported: 'Me dijo que...'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: limpiara la casa
Command becomes subjunctive.
Conjugate 'comer' for 'yo' in imperfect subjunctive. Conjugation Drill

Yo...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: comiera
Correct imperfect subjunctive ending.
Match the command to the report. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Me dijo que saliera
Correct reported form.
Build the sentence. Sentence Building

dijo / que / me / hablara / ella

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ella me dijo que hablara
Correct word order.
Is this rule true? True False Rule

Can you use the indicative after 'dijo que' for a command?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False
Commands require subjunctive.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank.

Mi padre me dijo que ___ (estudiar) más.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: estudiara
Requires imperfect subjunctive.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Me dijo que viniera.
Subjunctive is required.
Fix the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Me dijo que limpiar la casa.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Me dijo que limpiara la casa.
Must use 'que' + subjunctive.
Transform to reported command. Sentence Transformation

Direct: '¡Limpia la casa!' -> Reported: 'Me dijo que...'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: limpiara la casa
Command becomes subjunctive.
Conjugate 'comer' for 'yo' in imperfect subjunctive. Conjugation Drill

Yo...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: comiera
Correct imperfect subjunctive ending.
Match the command to the report. Match Pairs

Match '¡Sal!'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Me dijo que saliera
Correct reported form.
Build the sentence. Sentence Building

dijo / que / me / hablara / ella

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ella me dijo que hablara
Correct word order.
Is this rule true? True False Rule

Can you use the indicative after 'dijo que' for a command?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False
Commands require subjunctive.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Reorder the words to form a correct reported command. Sentence Reorder

que / me / dijo / fuera / él / al / mercado

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Él me dijo que fuera al mercado
Translate the following sentence into Spanish. Translation

They asked us to stay.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Nos pidieron que nos quedáramos.
Match the direct command with its reported version. Match Pairs

Match the pairs:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ¡Estudia! - Me dijo que estudiara
Complete the sentence with the correct subjunctive form. Fill in the Blank

Le pedí que me ______ (dar) {el|m} libro.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: diera
Select the correct negative reported command. Multiple Choice

She told me not to speak.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Me dijo que no hablara.
Correct the tense mismatch. Error Correction

Me dijo que venga mañana.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Me dijo que viniera mañana.
Fill in the blank with 'traer'. Fill in the Blank

Nos pidieron que les ______ (traer) agua.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: trajéramos
Reorder: no / me / que / rogó / llorara Sentence Reorder

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Me rogó que no llorara
Translate: My dad told me to clean the room. Translation

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Mi papá me dijo que limpiara {el|m} cuarto.
Which reporting verb sounds most like a request? Multiple Choice

Identify the request verb:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Pedir

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

Because it is an indirect command, not a fact.

Only if the main verb is in the present (e.g., 'Me dice que estudie').

Just add 'no' before the subjunctive verb.

You can use 'pidió que' or 'ordenó que'.

The '-ra' ending is universal; '-se' is more common in Spain.

Using the infinitive instead of the subjunctive.

It is neutral and used in all contexts.

Try reporting your daily instructions.

Scaffolded Practice

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In Other Languages

English partial

He told me to...

Spanish requires a conjugated verb.

French partial

Il m'a dit de...

Spanish uses 'que' + subjunctive.

German partial

Er hat mir gesagt, dass ich...

Spanish uses subjunctive.

Japanese partial

～ように言った

Spanish uses mood change.

Arabic partial

قال لي أن...

Spanish uses a specific past subjunctive.

Chinese low

他告诉我...

Spanish uses complex subordination.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Spanish Relative Clauses: To Comma or Not (Que)
Next
Neutral Relative Pronouns: What & Which (lo que, lo cual)

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