In the Japanese language, there are various ways to give an order or instruction. The most direct and forceful of these is the imperative form, which is one of the standard verb conjugations.

When used on its own without any particles, the imperative form is not common in everyday conversation. However, it is frequently seen on signs, posters, and banners. It may also be heard in high-energy situations, such as chants at a protest, cheers at a sporting match, or during an emergency when someone is yelling a command.

Verbs are changed into the imperative form as follows. For う-Verbs, change the final kana to the corresponding kana with an え vowel sound in the same row. For る-Verbs, drop the final る and attach either ろ or よ.

• 信号(しんごう)：「進(すす)め！」
  Traffic light: 'Go!'
• 消防士(しょうぼうし)：「早(はや)く逃(に)げろ。」
  Firefighter: Get out of here, quick!

The imperative form can be made to sound slightly less harsh by adding the particle よ. This speech pattern is typically used by men when talking among themselves to provide advice or encouragement. Women generally prefer to use the softer て-form of verbs for similar situations.

• 早(はや)く行(い)けよ。
  You should get going!
• ぜったい勝(か)てよ。
  You'd better win!

Due to their meaning being tied strictly to existence, the verbs ある and いる cannot be conjugated into the imperative form. All other verbs may be conjugated this way.