〜なさい
JLPT N4:do it (command)
A firm but not rough command, typically from a parent to a child or a teacher to a student: "do…".
How to form it
- Start from the ます form and replace ます with なさい: 寝ます becomes 寝なさい.
- It also appears in written instructions, such as on tests: 答えを書きなさい (write your answer).
Examples
早く寝なさい。
Go to bed now.
宿題をしなさい。
Do your homework.
Notes
- おやすみなさい and お帰りなさい come from this form but are fixed greetings.
Common mistakes
- Using it to people of higher status or to strangers. Use 〜てください.
Similar meaning
- 〜ろ / 〜えcommand
A blunt command: 寝ろ.
- 〜てくださいplease do
A polite request.