Using the subjunctive in the imperative

JamesC1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Using the subjunctive in the imperative

When would the subjunctive be used in the imperative form?

Vive La France! is the expression that comes to mind.

Asked 5 years ago
CécileKwiziq team memberCorrect answer

Hi James,

In the expression 'Vive la France' or 'Que vive la France!', vive is the subjunctive of the verb vivre

The imperative would be - vis, vivons, vivez , as in 

Vis ta vie !  = Live your life!

Vivons au jour le jour! = Let's live one day at a time!

Vivez pour le moment! Live for the moment!

Hope this helps!

ChrisC1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor
The sentence "Vive la France" is, strictly speaking, not an imperative, as Cécile noted. It is a wish and hence requires the subjunctive and not the imperative. 
JamesC1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor
Thank You. I read it as being imperative, telling France to live-in times of conflict or difficulty.
ChrisC1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Understandably so. But actually it means, "may France live" or "let France live".

Using the subjunctive in the imperative

When would the subjunctive be used in the imperative form?

Vive La France! is the expression that comes to mind.

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
I'll be right with you...