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imperative form
Definition
The imperative form in Japanese is used to issue commands or give orders. It is typically used in situations where a strong or urgent tone is required, such as in emergencies, sports, or when speaking to someone in a position of authority. The imperative form is considered blunt and is not suitable for polite conversation. It is often used to convey a sense of urgency or importance.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1: u -> e | Verb stem + e | tabu -> tabe |
| Group 2: ru -> ro | Verb stem + ro | taberu -> tabero |
| Group 3: kuru -> koi, suru -> shiro | kuru -> koi, suru -> shiro | kuru -> koi, suru -> shiro |
Examples
火事のとき、誰かが「消えろ！」と叫んだ。
Hi-jitsu no toki, dareka ga "koe-ro!" to sakebunda.
When there was a fire, someone shouted 'put it out!'
火事のとき (when there was a fire), 誰かが (someone), 消えろ (put it out!), と (said), 叫んだ (shouted)
試合の最後に、みんなで「勝った！」と応援した。
Shiai no saigo ni, minna de "kat-ta!" to o-uen shita.
At the end of the game, everyone cheered 'we won!'
試合の最後に (at the end of the game), みんなで (everyone), 勝った (we won!), と (said), 応援した (cheered)
警察官が犯人に「逃げろ！」と言いました。
Keisatsu-kan ga han'nin ni "nig-e-ro!" to iimashita.
The police officer told the criminal 'run away!'
警察官が (the police officer), 犯人に (to the criminal), 逃げろ (run away!), と (said), 言いました (told)
先生が「席を退くように！」と言いました。
Sensei ga "seki o saku yō ni!" to iimashita.
The teacher told the students 'get out of your seats!'
先生が (the teacher), 席を退くように (get out of your seats!), と (said), 言いました (told)
監督が「走れ！」と叫んだ。
Kantoku ga "hashire!" to sakebunda.
The coach shouted 'run!'
監督が (the coach), 走れ (run!), と (said), 叫んだ (shouted)
Context
The imperative form is typically used in situations where a strong or urgent tone is required. It is not suitable for polite conversation and should be used with caution. It is often used in emergencies, sports, or when speaking to someone in a position of authority.
Watch out
The imperative form is considered blunt and is not suitable for polite conversation. Using it in polite conversation can come across as rude or aggressive.
Group 2 verbs require a specific conjugation (e.g. ru -> ro) to form the imperative. Using the wrong conjugation can result in incorrect grammar.
The verb suru has different forms for the imperative and potential tenses. Using the wrong form can result in incorrect grammar.
Strategy
Pay close attention to the context and tone of the sentence. The imperative form is typically used in situations where a strong or urgent tone is required. Be careful not to use it in polite conversation.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N4 test-style questions. Each sentence shows 命令形 used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
火事のとき、誰かが「逃げろ！」と叫んだ。
Pattern used: 逃げろ
In emergencies, the imperative form is used to give urgent, direct commands.
試合の最後に、みんなで「頑張れ！」と応援した。
Pattern used: 頑張れ
Imperative forms like 'Ganbare' are commonly used for cheering or giving strong encouragement.
警察官が犯人に「止まれ！」と言いました。
Pattern used: 止まれ
Police or authorities use the imperative form to assert control and give direct orders.
Interactive
火事のとき、誰かが「______！」と叫んだ。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.