命令形
JLPT Level: N4
Meanings
The imperative form used to give commands or orders.
Positive commands: telling someone to do something.
Negative commands: telling someone not to do something.
Usage
五段動詞: -u → -e (imperative)
一段動詞（る動詞）: -る → -ろ
不規則動詞: する → しろ, 来る → 来い
禁止命令: 動詞の辞書形に な を付ける (例: 行くな, 食べるな)
Explanation
命令形 is the verb form used to command or instruct someone to do something. It is more direct and informal than the plain form and is commonly used among friends, family, or in urgent situations. It can sound harsh if overused. Use with people you are close to or in contexts like giving a quick instruction. When giving negative commands, use the dictionary form + な. Irregular verbs have special forms: する → しろ, 来る → 来い. For godan verbs, the final -u sound changes to -e plus nothing else; for ichidan verbs, drop る and add ろ. In casual speech, you may also hear shortened forms in loud or emphatic contexts (e.g., 行け！). Example sentences: positive: 水を飲め。/Drink the water. 早く行け。/Go quickly. 宿題をしろ。/Do your homework. negative: 嘘を言うな。/Don’t tell lies. ここに入るな。/Don’t enter here. 来るな。/Don’t come.
水を飲め。
みずをのめ。
Drink the water.
早く行け。
はやくいけ。
Go quickly.
宿題をしろ。
しゅくだいをしろ。
Do your homework.
嘘を言うな。
うそをいうな。
Don’t tell lies.
ここに入るな。
ここにはいるな。
Don’t enter here.
来い。
こい。
Come here.
来るな。
こるな。
Don’t come.