- Imperative ਆਗਿਆਕਾਰੀ -

ਕਰ - Simple commands

When making a simple command, the ending of the verb changes based on your relation to and how many people you are making the command to. Consider the examples with the word ਕਰਨਾ karanā (to do). ਕਰ kar is used for making a command to a single person you are very familiar with and ਕਰੋ karo is used for making a command to either respectfully or to multiple people.

Pronoun

ਕਰਨਾ karanā

English

Singular, informal

ਤੂੰ tū(n)

ਕਰ kar

You do

Plural / respectful

ਤੁਸੀਂ tusī(n)

ਕਰੋ karo

You do

Simple commands also suggest the thing being commanded be done when it is said and not at some point in the future. Consider some examples with other verbs.

ਛੇਤੀ ਅੰਦਰ
chhētī anddar ā
Come inside quickly
ਛੇਤੀ ਅੰਦਰ ਆਓ
chhētī anddar āo
Come inside quickly (respectful / plural)

Both commands mean “come inside quickly” but the second is used to either addressing multiple people or one person respectfully

ਦੋ ਰੋਟੀਆਂ ਬਣਾ
do roṭīā(n) baṇā
Make two rotis
ਦੋ ਰੋਟੀਆਂ ਬਣਾਓ
do roṭīā(n) baṇāo
Make two rotis (respectful / plural)

Both commands mean “make two rotis” but the second is used to either addressing multiple people or one person respectfully

ਇਸ ਕੁਰਸੀ ‘ਤੇ ਬੈਠ
is kurasī ‘tē baeṭh
Sit on this chair
ਇਸ ਕੁਰਸੀ ‘ਤੇ ਬੈਠੋ
is kurasī ‘tē baeṭho
Sit on this chair (respectful / plural)

Both commands mean “sit on this chair” but the second is used to either addressing multiple people or one person respectfully