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Giving commands, instructions, warnings and advice.
Practice: build the sentences →Imperative sentences are used to give commands, instructions, warnings, advice, requests, invitations, or directions.
The subject is normally understood to be you, although the speaker can use additional expressions to make the intended person explicit.
Open the window.
Открой окно.
A positive imperative used to give a command or instruction.
Please sit down.
Пожалуйста, сядьте.
An imperative with "please" making a polite request.
Do not touch that.
Не трогай это.
A negative imperative used for a warning.
Turn left at the corner.
Поверните налево на углу.
An imperative giving directions.
Have a seat.
Присаживайтесь.
An imperative used as an invitation.
Be careful.
Будь осторожен.
An imperative used to give advice or a warning.
Let's go home.
Пойдём домой.
An imperative with "let's" making a suggestion involving the speaker and listener.
Don't worry.
Не волнуйся.
A negative imperative used to reassure or advise.
A positive imperative normally uses the base form of the verb without an explicit subject.
For example, Open the window, Sit down, and Take a seat.
Open the window.
Открой окно.
Positive imperative using the base form "open" without an explicit subject.
Sit down.
Садись.
Positive imperative using the base form "sit" without an explicit subject.
Take a seat.
Присаживайтесь.
Positive imperative using the base form "take" without an explicit subject.
Close the door.
Закрой дверь.
Positive imperative using the base form "close" without an explicit subject.
Listen carefully.
Слушай внимательно.
Positive imperative using the base form "listen" without an explicit subject.
Turn off the light.
Выключи свет.
Positive imperative using the base form "turn" without an explicit subject.
Help me.
Помоги мне.
Positive imperative using the base form "help" without an explicit subject.
Come here.
Иди сюда.
Positive imperative using the base form "come" without an explicit subject.
A negative imperative is normally formed with do not or the contracted form dont before the base verb.
For example, Do not touch that and Dont worry.
Do not touch that.
Не трогай это.
Negative imperative formed with "do not" before the base verb "touch".
Don't worry.
Не волнуйся.
Negative imperative formed with the contraction "don't" before the base verb "worry".
Do not enter.
Не входите.
Negative imperative formed with "do not" before the base verb "enter".
Don't forget.
Не забудь.
Negative imperative formed with the contraction "don't" before the base verb "forget".
Do not be late.
Не опаздывай.
Negative imperative formed with "do not" before the base verb "be".
Don't run in the corridor.
Не бегай в коридоре.
Negative imperative formed with the contraction "don't" before the base verb "run".
Do not open the window.
Не открывай окно.
Negative imperative formed with "do not" before the base verb "open".
Don't make noise.
Не шуми.
Negative imperative formed with the contraction "don't" before the base verb "make".
Do not is more formal or emphatic, while dont is common in everyday speech and writing.
For example, Do not enter is common in notices, while Dont forget is common in conversation.
Do not enter.
Не входите.
"Do not" is more formal or emphatic, common in notices.
Don't forget.
Не забудь.
"Don't" is common in everyday speech and writing.
Do not touch the exhibits.
Не трогайте экспонаты.
"Do not" is formal and used in public notices.
Don't be silly.
Не глупи.
"Don't" is informal and common in conversation.
Do not smoke here.
Не курите здесь.
"Do not" is formal, typical of regulations.
Don't worry about it.
Не беспокойся об этом.
"Don't" is informal and friendly.
Do not feed the animals.
Не кормите животных.
"Do not" is formal and used in zoo notices.
Don't tell anyone.
Никому не говори.
"Don't" is common in everyday speech.
Please can be added to an imperative to make a request more polite or less abrupt.
For example, Please sit down and Please close the door.
Please sit down.
Пожалуйста, сядьте.
"Please" makes the imperative more polite.
Please close the door.
Пожалуйста, закройте дверь.
"Please" softens the command.
Please wait here.
Пожалуйста, подождите здесь.
"Please" makes the request more polite.
Please help me.
Пожалуйста, помогите мне.
"Please" adds politeness to the request.
Please be quiet.
Пожалуйста, будьте тише.
"Please" softens the imperative "be quiet".
Please come in.
Пожалуйста, входите.
"Please" makes the invitation more polite.
Please take a seat.
Пожалуйста, присаживайтесь.
"Please" makes the offer more polite.
Please do not touch.
Пожалуйста, не трогайте.
"Please" softens the negative imperative.
Please can appear before or after the imperative, although the position can affect rhythm and emphasis.
For example, Please wait here and Wait here, please.
Please wait here.
Пожалуйста, подождите здесь.
"Please" at the beginning of the imperative.
Wait here, please.
Подождите здесь, пожалуйста.
"Please" at the end of the imperative.
Please sit down.
Пожалуйста, сядьте.
"Please" at the beginning, more formal rhythm.
Sit down, please.
Сядьте, пожалуйста.
"Please" at the end, common in conversation.
Please close the window.
Пожалуйста, закройте окно.
"Please" at the beginning, polite request.
Close the window, please.
Закройте окно, пожалуйста.
"Please" at the end, softer request.
Please be careful.
Пожалуйста, будьте осторожны.
"Please" at the beginning, warning with politeness.
Be careful, please.
Будьте осторожны, пожалуйста.
"Please" at the end, warning with politeness.
An explicit you can be added to an imperative for emphasis, contrast, or strong emotion.
For example, You be careful and You wait here.
You be careful.
Ты будь осторожен.
Explicit "you" adds emphasis or contrast.
You wait here.
Ты подожди здесь.
Explicit "you" emphasizes the person addressed.
You take the first turn.
Ты иди первым.
Explicit "you" for contrast or strong instruction.
You don't move.
Ты не двигайся.
Explicit "you" with negative imperative for strong command.
You listen to me.
Ты слушай меня.
Explicit "you" for emphasis in an emotional context.
You stay here and wait.
Ты оставайся здесь и жди.
Explicit "you" for a strong directive.
You be quiet.
Ты будь тише.
Explicit "you" adds force to the imperative.
You come with me.
Ты иди со мной.
Explicit "you" for emphasis or contrast.
Do can precede a positive imperative to make it more emphatic, persuasive, or encouraging.
For example, Do come in and Do sit down.
Do come in.
Да входите же.
Emphatic "do" makes the invitation more persuasive.
Do sit down.
Да садитесь же.
Emphatic "do" makes the request more encouraging.
Do have some tea.
Непременно выпейте чаю.
Emphatic "do" makes the offer more insistent.
Do tell me what happened.
Ну расскажи же мне, что случилось.
Emphatic "do" adds persuasion or encouragement.
Do be careful.
Непременно будь осторожен.
Emphatic "do" with "be" for strong advice.
Do come to the party.
Обязательно приходи на вечеринку.
Emphatic "do" makes the invitation stronger.
Do try this cake.
Непременно попробуй этот торт.
Emphatic "do" encourages the listener to act.
Do let me know.
Обязательно дайте мне знать.
Emphatic "do" adds insistence to the request.
An object can follow the imperative verb when the verb is transitive.
For example, Open the door, Call me, and Tell him the truth.
Open the door.
Открой дверь.
The object "the door" follows the transitive imperative verb "open".
Call me.
Позвони мне.
The object pronoun "me" follows the transitive imperative verb "call".
Tell him the truth.
Скажи ему правду.
The indirect object "him" and direct object "the truth" follow the verb "tell".
Help us.
Помогите нам.
The object pronoun "us" follows the transitive imperative verb "help".
Bring it here.
Принеси это сюда.
The object pronoun "it" follows the transitive imperative verb "bring".
Send them a message.
Отправь им сообщение.
The indirect object "them" and direct object "a message" follow the verb "send".
Close the window.
Закрой окно.
The object "the window" follows the transitive imperative verb "close".
Give me the book.
Дай мне книгу.
The indirect object "me" and direct object "the book" follow the verb "give".
Adverbials can be added to imperatives to provide information about place, time, manner, or other circumstances.
For example, Come here, Wait outside, Drive carefully, and Call me tomorrow.
Come here.
Иди сюда.
The place adverbial "here" follows the imperative verb "come".
Wait outside.
Подожди снаружи.
The place adverbial "outside" follows the imperative verb "wait".
Drive carefully.
Веди машину осторожно.
The manner adverbial "carefully" follows the imperative verb "drive".
Call me tomorrow.
Позвони мне завтра.
The time adverbial "tomorrow" follows the object "me".
Sit here quietly.
Сиди здесь тихо.
The place adverbial "here" and manner adverbial "quietly" follow the verb.
Finish your homework before dinner.
Закончи домашнюю работу до ужина.
The time adverbial "before dinner" follows the object.
Walk to the station quickly.
Иди на вокзал быстро.
The place adverbial "to the station" and manner adverbial "quickly" follow the verb.
Put the keys on the table.
Положи ключи на стол.
The place adverbial "on the table" follows the object.
Imperatives are commonly used in instructions describing procedures and sequences of actions.
For example, Turn on the computer, enter your password, and click Submit.
Turn on the computer.
Включите компьютер.
First step in a sequence of instructions.
Enter your password.
Введите пароль.
Next step in a sequence of instructions.
Click Submit.
Нажмите «Отправить».
Final step in a sequence of instructions.
Add the flour and mix well.
Добавьте муку и хорошо перемешайте.
Instruction in a recipe.
Press the red button.
Нажмите красную кнопку.
Instruction for operating a device.
Fold the paper in half.
Сложите бумагу пополам.
Instruction in a craft or procedure.
Wait for the green light.
Дождитесь зелёного света.
Instruction in a traffic or safety procedure.
Remove the lid carefully.
Осторожно снимите крышку.
Instruction with a manner adverbial.
Imperatives can warn someone about immediate danger or undesirable consequences.
For example, Be careful, Dont touch that, and Watch out.
Be careful.
Будь осторожен.
Warning about potential danger.
Don't touch that.
Не трогай это.
Warning about an immediate danger.
Watch out.
Осторожно!
Urgent warning.
Keep off the grass.
Не ходите по газону.
Warning or regulation in a public place.
Do not enter.
Не входите.
Warning or prohibition on a sign.
Mind the step.
Осторожно, ступенька.
Warning about a physical hazard.
Don't be late.
Не опаздывай.
Warning about a consequence.
Stay back.
Отойдите назад.
Warning to maintain distance.
Imperatives can give direct advice or recommendations.
For example, Take a break, Get some rest, and Talk to your doctor.
Take a break.
Сделай перерыв.
Advice to rest.
Get some rest.
Отдохни немного.
Advice to recover energy.
Talk to your doctor.
Поговорите с врачом.
Advice to seek professional help.
Drink more water.
Пейте больше воды.
Advice for health.
Save your money.
Экономьте деньги.
Advice for financial planning.
Be patient.
Будьте терпеливы.
Advice about attitude.
Read the instructions carefully.
Внимательно прочитайте инструкции.
Advice for a task.
Don't give up.
Не сдавайся.
Advice for perseverance.
Positive imperatives can function as invitations when the context makes participation voluntary and welcome.
For example, Come in, Have a seat, and Join us for dinner.
Come in.
Входите.
Invitation to enter.
Have a seat.
Присаживайтесь.
Invitation to sit down.
Join us for dinner.
Присоединяйтесь к нам на ужин.
Invitation to a meal.
Help yourself.
Угощайтесь.
Invitation to take food or drink.
Come and see us soon.
Приезжайте к нам скорее.
Invitation to visit.
Stay for lunch.
Оставайтесь на обед.
Invitation to stay for a meal.
Take a seat and relax.
Присаживайтесь и расслабьтесь.
Invitation to make oneself comfortable.
Have some coffee.
Выпейте кофе.
Invitation to have a drink.
Lets + base verb is used to make a suggestion involving the speaker and listener.
For example, Lets go home and Lets start the meeting.
Let's go home.
Пойдём домой.
Suggestion involving the speaker and listener.
Let's start the meeting.
Давайте начнём собрание.
Suggestion to begin an activity.
Let's have lunch.
Давайте пообедаем.
Suggestion to eat together.
Let's watch a movie.
Давайте посмотрим фильм.
Suggestion for entertainment.
Let's take a break.
Давайте сделаем перерыв.
Suggestion to rest.
Let's meet tomorrow.
Давайте встретимся завтра.
Suggestion to meet.
Let's try again.
Давайте попробуем ещё раз.
Suggestion to make another attempt.
Let's clean the room.
Давайте уберём комнату.
Suggestion to do a chore together.
Lets not + base verb is used to suggest that the speaker and listener avoid an action.
For example, Lets not argue about it.
Let's not argue about it.
Давайте не спорить об этом.
Negative suggestion to avoid arguing.
Let's not waste time.
Давайте не терять время.
Negative suggestion to avoid wasting time.
Let's not go there.
Давайте не ходить туда.
Negative suggestion to avoid a place.
Let's not tell anyone.
Давайте никому не рассказывать.
Negative suggestion to keep a secret.
Let's not be late.
Давайте не опаздывать.
Negative suggestion to be punctual.
Let's not make a mess.
Давайте не устраивать беспорядок.
Negative suggestion to keep things tidy.
Let's not forget the tickets.
Давайте не забыть билеты.
Negative suggestion to remember something.
Let's not spend too much.
Давайте не тратить слишком много.
Negative suggestion to limit spending.
Let me + base verb can express a request for permission, an offer, or an intention to perform an action.
For example, Let me help you and Let me explain.
Let me help you.
Позвольте мне помочь вам.
Request for permission or offer to help.
Let me explain.
Позвольте мне объяснить.
Request for permission to explain.
Let me see.
Дайте-ка посмотреть.
Expression of intention to check something.
Let me try.
Позвольте мне попробовать.
Request for permission to attempt something.
Let me carry your bag.
Позвольте мне донести вашу сумку.
Offer to help someone.
Let me think about it.
Дайте мне подумать об этом.
Request for time to consider.
Let me know.
Дайте мне знать.
Request to be informed.
Let me introduce myself.
Позвольте мне представиться.
Request for permission to introduce oneself.
Let us and lets have different uses: let us can mean allow us, while lets is the contracted form used for suggestions.
For example, Let us leave now can mean Allow us to leave now, while Lets leave now means I suggest that we leave now.
Let us leave now.
Позвольте нам уйти сейчас.
"Let us" can mean "allow us to leave now".
Let's leave now.
Давайте уйдём сейчас.
"Let's" is a suggestion meaning "I suggest that we leave now".
Let us begin.
Позвольте нам начать.
Formal request for permission for a group to begin.
Let's begin.
Давайте начнём.
Suggestion for a group to start.
Let us not be late.
Позвольте нам не опаздывать.
Formal negative request for the group not to be late.
Let's not be late.
Давайте не опаздывать.
Negative suggestion for the group.
Let us consider the options.
Позвольте нам рассмотреть варианты.
Formal request for permission to consider.
Let's consider the options.
Давайте рассмотрим варианты.
Suggestion to consider the options together.
Be can form imperatives describing a state, quality, or behaviour.
For example, Be quiet, Be careful, and Be patient.
Be quiet.
Будь тише.
Imperative with "be" describing a state or behaviour.
Be careful.
Будь осторожен.
Imperative with "be" giving advice or warning.
Be patient.
Будь терпелив.
Imperative with "be" describing an attitude.
Be honest.
Будь честен.
Imperative with "be" giving moral advice.
Be on time.
Будь вовремя.
Imperative with "be" and a prepositional phrase.
Be nice to your sister.
Будь добр к своей сестре.
Imperative with "be" giving advice about behaviour.
Be ready at eight.
Будь готов в восемь.
Imperative with "be" and a time expression.
Be brave.
Будь смелым.
Imperative with "be" encouraging a quality.
Negative imperatives with be use do not before be.
For example, Dont be late, Do not be afraid, and Dont be so impatient.
Don't be late.
Не опаздывай.
Negative imperative with "be" using "don't".
Do not be afraid.
Не бойся.
Negative imperative with "be" using "do not".
Don't be so impatient.
Не будь таким нетерпеливым.
Negative imperative with "be" and an adjective.
Don't be silly.
Не глупи.
Negative imperative with "be" giving advice.
Do not be rude.
Не грубите.
Negative imperative with "be" and an adjective.
Don't be nervous.
Не нервничай.
Negative imperative with "be" reassuring someone.
Don't be angry with me.
Не сердись на меня.
Negative imperative with "be" and a prepositional phrase.
Do not be late for the meeting.
Не опаздывайте на собрание.
Negative imperative with "be" and a time/place expression.
Some imperatives have a passive interpretation even though their grammatical form is active.
For example, Be warned and Be prepared can describe a state resulting from an action performed by someone else.
Be warned.
Будьте предупреждены.
Passive meaning: someone is warning you.
Be prepared.
Будьте готовы.
Passive meaning: someone has prepared you or you have been prepared.
Be seated.
Занимайте места.
Passive meaning: you are being asked to take a seat.
Be advised.
Примите к сведению.
Passive meaning: you are being advised.
Be assured.
Будьте уверены.
Passive meaning: you are being assured.
Be informed.
Будьте в курсе.
Passive meaning: you are being informed.
Be warned about the dangers.
Будьте предупреждены об опасностях.
Passive meaning with an additional complement.
Be prepared for anything.
Будьте готовы ко всему.
Passive meaning with a prepositional phrase.
Imperatives are common in signs, instructions, warnings, regulations, and public notices.
For example, Keep off the grass, Do not enter, and Wear protective clothing.
Keep off the grass.
Не ходите по газону.
Public notice on a sign.
Do not enter.
Не входите.
Public notice prohibiting entry.
Wear protective clothing.
Носите защитную одежду.
Public notice with a safety instruction.
No smoking.
Не курить.
Public notice using a noun phrase, but equivalent to an imperative.
Push the button.
Нажмите кнопку.
Instruction on a public device.
Do not lean out of the window.
Не высовывайтесь из окна.
Safety notice on a train or building.
Use the handrail.
Держитесь за поручень.
Safety instruction on an escalator or stairs.
Keep your belongings with you at all times.
Не оставляйте свои вещи без присмотра.
Public notice in a station or airport.
Recipes commonly use bare imperatives to give a sequence of preparation instructions.
For example, Add the flour, mix well, and bake for twenty minutes.
Add the flour.
Добавьте муку.
Recipe instruction using a bare imperative.
Mix well.
Хорошо перемешайте.
Recipe instruction using a bare imperative.
Bake for twenty minutes.
Выпекайте двадцать минут.
Recipe instruction with a time expression.
Chop the onions finely.
Мелко нарежьте лук.
Recipe instruction with a manner adverb.
Heat the oil in a pan.
Разогрейте масло на сковороде.
Recipe instruction with a place expression.
Stir the mixture gently.
Осторожно помешайте смесь.
Recipe instruction with a manner adverb.
Season with salt and pepper.
Приправьте солью и перцем.
Recipe instruction with a prepositional phrase.
Serve immediately.
Подавайте сразу.
Recipe instruction with a time adverb.
Questions, modal expressions, and other structures can replace direct imperatives when greater politeness or indirectness is appropriate.
For example, Could you close the door? is generally less direct than Close the door.
Could you close the door?
Не могли бы вы закрыть дверь?
A polite question alternative to the imperative "Close the door".
Would you mind waiting?
Вы не против подождать?
A polite question alternative to "Wait".
Can you help me?
Можешь помочь мне?
A polite question alternative to "Help me".
I would like you to sit down.
Я хотел бы, чтобы вы сели.
A modal expression alternative to "Sit down".
It would be great if you could come.
Было бы здорово, если бы ты пришёл.
An indirect expression alternative to "Come".
Perhaps you could wait here.
Возможно, вы могли бы подождать здесь.
A tentative alternative to "Wait here".
I wonder if you could help.
Интересно, не могли бы вы помочь.
A very polite alternative to "Help".
Do you think you could open the window?
Как вы думаете, вы могли бы открыть окно?
A polite question alternative to "Open the window".
The same imperative can sound like a command, request, warning, invitation, or advice depending on context, intonation, and additional expressions.
For example, Come in can be a welcoming invitation, while Stop can be a strong command or warning.
Come in.
Входите.
Can be a welcoming invitation depending on tone.
Stop!
Стой!
Can be a strong command or warning depending on context.
Sit down.
Садитесь.
Can be a command or a friendly request depending on intonation.
Take a break.
Сделай перерыв.
Can be advice or a command depending on context.
Be careful.
Будь осторожен.
Can be a warning or advice depending on tone.
Have a seat.
Присаживайтесь.
Can be a polite invitation or an instruction.
Don't worry.
Не волнуйся.
Can be reassurance or a command depending on tone.
Wait here.
Подождите здесь.
Can be a neutral instruction or a strong command.
Imperatives occur in dialogue and informal narrative when speakers directly influence another person's actions.
They are especially common in instructions, emergencies, directions, and everyday requests.
Look out!
Осторожно!
Imperative used in an emergency in conversation.
Turn left at the lights.
Поверните налево на светофоре.
Imperative giving directions in conversation.
Pass me the salt, please.
Передай мне соль, пожалуйста.
Imperative used as a request at the table.
Come and see this.
Иди посмотри на это.
Imperative used in informal narrative to direct attention.
Don't move!
Не двигайся!
Imperative used in an emergency or urgent situation.
Tell me what happened.
Расскажи мне, что случилось.
Imperative used in everyday conversation.
Wait for me here.
Подожди меня здесь.
Imperative used in informal conversation.
Give me a call tomorrow.
Позвони мне завтра.
Imperative used as a request in conversation.
Two or more imperative clauses can be coordinated to express a sequence or combination of actions.
For example, Come inside and close the door.
Come inside and close the door.
Войди и закрой дверь.
Two coordinated imperatives expressing a sequence.
Sit down and relax.
Сядь и расслабься.
Two coordinated imperatives expressing a combination.
Wash your hands and dry them.
Помой руки и вытри их.
Two coordinated imperatives in a procedure.
Take a map and follow the route.
Возьми карту и следуй маршруту.
Two coordinated imperatives in instructions.
Open your books and turn to page ten.
Откройте книги и переверните на десятую страницу.
Two coordinated imperatives in a classroom instruction.
Put on your coat and go outside.
Надень пальто и выйди на улицу.
Two coordinated imperatives in a daily routine.
Listen carefully and take notes.
Слушай внимательно и делай заметки.
Two coordinated imperatives in a lecture.
Clean the table and set the plates.
Протри стол и расставь тарелки.
Two coordinated imperatives in a household task.
And can join sequential actions, while or can introduce an alternative or warning consequence.
For example, Hurry up or we will miss the train.
Hurry up or we will miss the train.
Поторопись, иначе мы опоздаем на поезд.
Imperative with "or" introducing a warning consequence.
Come inside and close the door.
Войди и закрой дверь.
Imperative with "and" joining sequential actions.
Take an umbrella or you will get wet.
Возьми зонт, иначе промокнешь.
Imperative with "or" introducing a warning consequence.
Be quiet and listen.
Будь тише и слушай.
Imperative with "and" joining two actions.
Leave now or you will be late.
Уходи сейчас, иначе опоздаешь.
Imperative with "or" introducing a warning consequence.
Study hard and you will pass.
Учись усердно, и ты сдашь.
Imperative with "and" introducing a positive consequence.
Follow the instructions or the device may break.
Следуйте инструкциям, иначе устройство может сломаться.
Imperative with "or" introducing a negative consequence.
Apologize and she will forgive you.
Извинись, и она тебя простит.
Imperative with "and" introducing a positive consequence.
Imperative sentences can end with a full stop or, when strongly urgent or emotional, an exclamation mark.
For example, Please sit down. and Stop!
Please sit down.
Пожалуйста, сядьте.
Imperative ends with a full stop in a neutral request.
Stop!
Стой!
Imperative ends with an exclamation mark for urgency.
Close the door.
Закрой дверь.
Imperative ends with a full stop.
Don't touch that!
Не трогай это!
Imperative ends with an exclamation mark for warning.
Wait here.
Подожди здесь.
Imperative ends with a full stop.
Come here!
Иди сюда!
Imperative ends with an exclamation mark for strong emotion.
Please be careful.
Пожалуйста, будьте осторожны.
Imperative ends with a full stop in a polite request.
Run!
Беги!
Imperative ends with an exclamation mark for urgency.
Form imperatives with the appropriate base verb and use do not, lets, or other structures according to the intended meaning.
Common mistakes include adding to after the imperative verb, using do-support incorrectly in positive imperatives, confusing lets with let us, and using an inappropriate negative form.
Open the window.
Открой окно.
Correct: base verb without "to".
Don't be late.
Не опаздывай.
Correct: negative imperative with "don't" and "be".
Let's go.
Пойдём.
Correct: "let's" for a suggestion.
Do sit down.
Да садитесь же.
Correct: emphatic "do" before the imperative.
Do not enter.
Не входите.
Correct: formal negative imperative with "do not".
Let me help.
Позвольте мне помочь.
Correct: "let me" for permission or offer.
Please wait.
Пожалуйста, подождите.
Correct: "please" with an imperative.
Be quiet.
Будь тише.
Correct: imperative with "be".