なさい
Command to do
Structure
Explanation
The grammar point なさい is a command form that comes from なさる, a verb from honorific language used to respectfully refer to the actions of someone else (but never your own).
Even though it has respectful origins, なさい is still an order, so you should never use it when speaking to a superior. For this reason, it is most often used when addressing equals or people of a lower social standing, such as children.
To form this grammar, attach なさい directly to the stem of a verb (the part that comes before ます).
- ちゃんと食べなさい！Eat your food properly!
- テレビを見ていないで宿題をしなさい！Stop watching TV and do your homework!
なさい can be abbreviated to just な. This creates a more informal command that is typically used among friends or peers.
- こっちに来な。Come here.
- もう遅いから帰りな。It's already late, so you should go home.
Caution
It is important to distinguish between な (the negative command particle) and な (the shortened form of なさい). While they look identical, な (meaning 'don't') always attaches to the dictionary form of a verb, while な (meaning 'do') attaches to the verb's ます stem.
- この本を読みな。You should read this book.
- この本を読むな。Do not read this book.
Examples
ちゃんと席に座りなさい。
Sit down properly in your seat.
おもちゃを片付けなさい。
Clean up your toys.
さあ、歯を磨きなさい。
Come on, brush your teeth.
宿題が終わったら、言いなさい。
Tell me when you've finished your homework.
みんなの前で発表しなさい。
Present in front of everyone.
静かに待ちなさい。
Wait quietly.
明日の準備をしなさい。
Get ready for tomorrow.
テレビを消しなさい。
Turn off the TV.
謝りなさい！
Apologize!
さっさと服を着替えなさい。
Hurry up and get changed.
喧嘩はやめなさい。
Stop fighting.
お客様にお茶を出しなさい。
Serve tea to our guest.