The imperative in Pi’el is used to give commands or requests in an emphatic or intensive tone. It’s typically directed at the second person (you), and reflects the active, deliberate nature of Pi’el verbs.
Let’s use the root ד־ב־ר (D–B–R), which in Pi’el means “to speak.”
Structure
- No prefix (unlike infinitives)
- The middle root letter is doubled (marked by a dagesh)
- Masculine singular usually follows the pattern פַּעֵל
Forms of דִּבֵּר – “to speak” (Imperative)
| Person | Form | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| You (m. sg.) | דַּבֵּר! | dabbér | Speak! |
| You (f. sg.) | דַּבְּרִי! | dabberí | Speak! |
| You (m. pl.) | דַּבְּרוּ! | dabberú | Speak! |
| You (f. pl.) (rare) | דַּבֵּרְנָה! | dabérna | Speak! |
The feminine plural form (-נה) is rare in Modern Hebrew and mostly found in Biblical or very formal contexts.