塗れ

JLPT Level: N1
Meanings

to be stained/covered with

to be smeared with

to be dirty with

to be soaked in

to be painted/laid on (by someone)

Usage

Vる -> Vれ (imperative form)

Imperative mood for godan verbs ending with る (rough/commanding)

Explanation
塗れ is the informal, masculine/rough imperative form of 塗る (to paint, smear, or coat). It is used to give direct commands or instructions, often seen in manuals, signs, or contexts where a blunt command is appropriate. It can sound harsh or abrupt if used with someone you’re not on informal terms with, so it’s typically restricted to casual speech, youth slang, or formal instruction when softened by context (e.g., using 〜ください in polite forms). Some nuances include urgency, instruction, or a demand that something should be applied or coated immediately.
壁を塗れ。
かべをぬれ。

Paint the wall.

傷口に薬液を塗れ。
きずぐちにやくえきをぬれ。

Apply the solution to the wound.

このクリームを顔全体に塗れ。
このクリームをかおぜんたいにぬれ。

Spread this cream over your whole face.

機械の部品には油を塗れ。
きかいのぶひんにはあぶらをぬれ。

Oil the machine parts.