1.
imperative sentence; command sentence
A grammatical sentence type that expresses an order, instruction, or request, such as English "Sit down" or Japanese 座れ. Used in language instruction and grammar analysis.
命令文は主語を省略することが多い。
Imperative sentences often omit the subject.
「走れ」は動詞の命令文だ。
"Hashire" is an imperative form of the verb.
日本語の命令文は相手との関係によって、丁寧な形と乱暴な形を使い分ける必要がある。
In Japanese imperative sentences, you have to choose between polite and blunt forms depending on your relationship with the listener.
Compound of 命令 (command, order) + 文 (sentence). A technical term used in grammar textbooks and linguistics, not in everyday conversation.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 命令文を作る: to form an imperative sentence
- 命令文の用法: usage of imperatives
- 否定の命令文: negative imperative (e.g., 「行くな」 "don't go")
USAGE:
Japanese has several imperative forms with different politeness levels:
- Plain 命令形: 書け (write!) — blunt, often male
- 〜なさい: 書きなさい (write) — gentle command, often parental
- 〜てください: 書いてください (please write) — polite request
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 命令形: imperative form — the verb form itself, vs. a full sentence
- 依頼文: request sentence — softer than a command