Indirect Commands

Que + subjunctive for wishes, blessings and third-person commands.

Que + subjunctive = let him/her/them

When you can't command someone directly, use que + subjunctive

Que entre. (Let him come in.)
Que lo hagan ellos. (Let them do it.)
Que se vaya. (Let him leave.)
Que te mejores. (Get well soon. — wish)

Common indirect command patterns

ExpressionMeaningExample
Que + 3rd person subj.Let him/her/them...Que pase. (Let him pass.)
Que + te/le/les...Wish / hopeQue te vaya bien. (Hope it goes well.)
Que + 1st pl. subj.Let's... (alternative)Que comamos. (Let us eat.)

Common wishes with que

Everyday expressions

Que tengas un buen día. (Have a good day.)
Que duermas bien. (Sleep well.)
Que aproveche. (Bon appétit. — shortened.)
Que en paz descanse. (May he/she rest in peace.)
Que Dios te bendiga. (God bless you.)

Que vs direct commands

Direct (tú/usted) vs Indirect (que + 3rd person)

¡Ven! (Come! — to you directly)
¡Que venga! (Let him come! — about someone else)
¡Siéntese! (Sit down! — direct to usted)
¡Que se siente! (Let him sit down! — about 3rd person)

Que is often dropped in writing but implied in speech

Full: Que Dios te ayude. → Shortened: Dios te ayude.
Full: Que viva España. → ¡Viva España!

Quick quiz

1. "Let him come in." = ¡Que _____!

2. "Get well soon." = ¡Que te _____!

3. "Have a good day." = Que _____ un buen día.

4. "Let them do it." = Que lo _____ ellos.

5. "Sleep well." = Que _____ bien.

6. "Let him leave." = Que se _____.

7. "Long live Spain!" = ¡_____ España!

8. "God bless you." = Que Dios te _____.

9. Indirect commands use the _____ mood.

10. "May he rest in peace." = Que en paz _____.

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