Meaning
Instructing someone to stay still.
Cultural Background
In Spain, you might hear 'No te menees' more often in casual speech. It sounds slightly more traditional or rural but is understood by everyone. Mexicans often use 'Quédate quieto' with children. It feels a bit more like a gentle instruction to 'be still' rather than a sharp 'don't move'. Due to 'voseo', the command changes to 'No te movás'. The stress is on the last syllable, which is a key marker of the Argentine accent. In Colombia, especially in Medellín, you might hear 'No se me mueva' even among friends, as 'usted' is often used informally (ustedeo).
The 'A' Rule
For -ER verbs like mover, the negative command ends in -AS. It's the opposite of what you'd expect!
Formal vs Informal
Using 'No te muevas' with a boss or stranger is considered rude. Always use 'No se mueva' in formal contexts.
Meaning
Instructing someone to stay still.
The 'A' Rule
For -ER verbs like mover, the negative command ends in -AS. It's the opposite of what you'd expect!
Formal vs Informal
Using 'No te muevas' with a boss or stranger is considered rude. Always use 'No se mueva' in formal contexts.
The 'Me' Trick
Add 'me' (No te me muevas) to sound more like a native speaker when you are doing something for the other person, like fixing their clothes.
Regional Accents
In Argentina, listen for 'No te movás'. The different stress pattern is a great way to practice your regional listening skills.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing reflexive pronoun for this negative command.
¡No ___ muevas! Estoy tomando la foto.
Since the verb 'muevas' is in the 'tú' form, you must use the reflexive pronoun 'te'.
Which of the following is the correct formal version of 'No te muevas'?
Talking to a doctor, you should say:
'No se mueva' is the formal 'usted' version of the command.
Match the phrase to the most likely situation.
Phrase: '¡No te me muevas, que te estoy peinando!'
The use of 'te me muevas' (ethical dative) implies a close, personal relationship and a helpful task like grooming.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form.
Juan: '¿Puedo irme ya?' Maria: 'No, todavía no. ¡No ____ (moverse)!'
The negative imperative requires the subjunctive form 'muevas'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs Informal
Practice Bank
4 exercises¡No ___ muevas! Estoy tomando la foto.
Since the verb 'muevas' is in the 'tú' form, you must use the reflexive pronoun 'te'.
Talking to a doctor, you should say:
'No se mueva' is the formal 'usted' version of the command.
Phrase: '¡No te me muevas, que te estoy peinando!'
The use of 'te me muevas' (ethical dative) implies a close, personal relationship and a helpful task like grooming.
Juan: '¿Puedo irme ya?' Maria: 'No, todavía no. ¡No ____ (moverse)!'
The negative imperative requires the subjunctive form 'muevas'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, that sounds like a broken translation. You must include the reflexive 'te' and conjugate the verb correctly.
'No te muevas' is 'Don't move', while 'Quédate quieto' is 'Stay still'. They are used in the same situations, but 'Quédate quieto' is slightly more common with children.
You say 'No se muevan'.
It depends on the tone. It can be a gentle request for a photo or a sharp warning in danger.
Because negative commands in Spanish use the subjunctive mood, not the indicative.
It's the same as 'Don't move', but the 'me' implies 'don't move *on me*' or 'don't move while I'm helping you'.
No, use 'No te vayas' for that. 'No te muevas' is only for physical body movement.
In some places, people say '¡Quieto!' or '¡Congelado!', but 'No te muevas' is the most standard.
Use 'No se mueva'.
No, 'muevas' comes from 'mover'. 'Mudar' is a different verb meaning to change or move house.
Yes, very often in action movies during 'freeze' moments or heist scenes.
It is typically taught at the A2 level when students learn the imperative mood.
Related Phrases
Quédate quieto
similarStay still
No te vayas
contrastDon't go
Muévete
contrastMove!
No te menees
synonymDon't budge/wiggle
Ni un paso más
specialized formNot one more step
