なさい
なさい
auxiliary
(imperative ending)
1.
do (command/instruction)
An auxiliary verb attached to the stem of verbs to form polite commands, commonly used by superiors to subordinates or parents to children.
括弧内の語を使って文を作りなさい。
Make sentences using the words in parentheses.
Common in test instructions.
早く起きなさい。
Wake up early.
静かにしなさい。
Be quiet.
なさい is attached to the verb stem (masu-stem) to form commands.
FORMATION:
- 動詞ます形 + なさい
- 食べます → 食べなさい
- 書きます → 書きなさい
- します → しなさい
USAGE:
- Parents to children
- Teachers to students
- Test/exam instructions
- Superiors to subordinates
POLITENESS LEVEL:
Less harsh than plain imperative (食べろ), but still a command.
More commanding than 〜てください.
SOFTENED FORM:
- なさいよ: softer, often feminine
- なさいね: softer with confirmation