なさい
JLPT Level: N4
Meanings
command to do
imperative instruction
tell someone to do something (soft imperative)
Usage
Vます形の語幹 + なさい
来る → 来なさい
する → しなさい
来る → 来なさい
行く → 行きなさい
食べる → 食べなさい
読みます → 読みなさい (exception)
V-る can't become なさい; use stem + なさい
Explanation
なさい is a polite yet firm imperative used to tell someone to do something. It is stronger than a simple request but softer than a direct plain imperative. It is commonly used by parents, teachers, or older authority figures toward children or students, and can appear in written instructions or traditional-style language. The form attaches to the masu-stem of verbs (the form just before ます) to create the command. It can also appear as a fixed expression with 来る and する (来なさい, しなさい). It is not typically used among peers or in casual everyday conversation without a sense of authority.
宿題を終えなさい。
しゅくだいをおえなさい。
Finish your homework.
先生の話をよく聞きなさい。
せんせいのはなしをよくききなさい。
Listen carefully to the teacher's talk.
早く起きなさい。
はやくおきなさい。
Wake up quickly.
来なさい。
きなさい。
Come here.
食べなさい。
たべなさい。
Eat.