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do... (command)
Definition
The grammar pattern ～なさい is used to issue a firm command, often from a person of higher authority to someone of lower authority. It is more direct and authoritative than ～てください. This pattern is commonly used by parents to their children or teachers to their students. It is essential to use this pattern correctly to convey the intended level of authority and respect.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Masu-stem of a verb | Verb stem + なさい | 食べる (taberu) becomes 食べなさい |
| Masu-stem of a verb in the negative | Verb stem + ないなさい | 食べない (tabenai) becomes 食べないなさい |
| Masu-stem of a verb in the potential | Verb stem + うなさい | 食べる (taberu) becomes 食べうなさい |
Examples
母が子供に「宿題を早く食べなさい」と言いました。
Okaasan ga kodomo ni "syutudai o hayaku tabenasai" to ittemashita.
The mother told the child to eat their homework quickly.
お母さん (okaasan) = mother, 子供 (kodomo) = child, 宿題 (syutudai) = homework, 早く (hayaku) = quickly
先生が「この漢字を覚えなさい」と言った。
Sensei ga "kono kanji o oboenasai" to itta.
The teacher told the student to memorize this kanji.
先生 (sensei) = teacher, この (kono) = this, 漢字 (kanji) = kanji,覚え (oboeru) = to memorize
「危ないですから、ここへ来ないで、あっちへ行きなさい。」
"Ayau ni desu kara, koko e konainde, atchi e ikinasai."
It's dangerous, so don't come here, go over there instead.
危ない (ayau ni) = it's dangerous, ここへ (koko e) = here, 来ないで (konainde) = don't come, あっちへ (atchi e) = over there, 行き (iku) = to go
Context
The ～なさい pattern is used to issue a firm command, often from a person of higher authority to someone of lower authority. It is more direct and authoritative than ～てください. This pattern is commonly used by parents to their children or teachers to their students. Be careful not to use this pattern with superiors, as it may be seen as impolite.
Watch out
Using ～なさい with superiors may be seen as impolite or disrespectful.
The dictionary form of a verb is not used to form ～なさい.
～なさい is more direct and authoritative than ～てください.
Strategy
When taking the JLPT N4 exam, be careful to use the ～なさい pattern correctly to issue a firm command. Pay attention to the context and the relationship between the speaker and the listener.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N4 test-style questions. Each sentence shows ～なさい used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
母が子供に「宿題を早くしなさい。」と言いました。
Pattern used: しなさい
Parents use ～なさい to give firm instructions to their children.
「危ないですから、ここへ来ないで、あっちへ行きなさい。」
Pattern used: 行きなさい
In a situation requiring a direct but controlled instruction, ～なさい is the most appropriate form.
先生が「この漢字を書きなさい。」と言った。
Pattern used: 書きなさい
Teachers use ～なさい to direct students to perform specific tasks in class.
Interactive
母が子供に「宿題を早く______。」と言いました。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.