Estructuras

 
We have looked at los mandatos formales e informales y los complementos directos. Now - we will look at combining those two things together. Remember, the reason that we use direct object pronouns is to avoid too much repetition. So, let’s look at an example:
 

Los mandatos afirmativos

 
Mandato formal   Mandato informal  
Lupita, beba el jarabe.

Lupita, bebe el jarabe.

 
Let’s use the informal command: Lupita, bebe el jarabe.
 
What is the direct object in this sentence? Remember, we can rephrase the sentence into a question to find out.
Lupita, bebe el jarabe.
¿Qué bebe Lupita? el jarabe → lo
 
When we combine affirmative commands with direct object pronouns, we attach the direct object pronoun to the end of the command.
 
“Lupita, bebe el jarabe.” becomes “Lupita, bébelo.”
 
OJO: In order to keep the stress on the proper syllable when it is said aloud, sometimes we have to add an accent. Notice how we added an accent to “bébalo”. Listen again to how it’s pronounced - the emphasis is put on the first part of the word - the “be”. This is important. If the command has more than one syllable (like beba) then we have to add an accent when we have a direct object pronoun.
   Por ejemplo:

Compre el anillo → Cómprelo.

Traiga los pasteles → Tráigalos

Haga la tarea → Hágala
 
But if the command has only one syllable, we only add the written accent when two pronouns are added. We haven’t looked at how to do this yet - so you will not have to add accents to one-syllable commands.

Por ejemplo: Haz la tarea → Hazla (no accent)