Video
Let’s watch this short video for a quick overview.
Source: gokigen japanese official YouTube Channel
Introduction
Want to say “Clean up now,” “Study hard,” or “Go to bed” in Japanese? The pattern you need is V-(stem) + なさい.
It’s a direct, firm command, commonly used by parents/teachers or in instructions—not for strangers or equals.
1. Meaning & Tone
V-stem + なさい is used to give a direct and firm command or order in Japanese.
It is a firm way of issuing a command, which is often used in situations like parents asking/ordering their kids to do something.
- V-(stem) + なさい = “Do ~” (a firm order). Typical in situations where the speaker has authority over the listener (parent→child, teacher→student).
- Appropriate when speaking to someone younger or lower in status; avoid with bosses/clients/people you don’t know.
Tone: A “Gentle but Firm” Command or Encouragement
While V-stem + nasai is a direct command, it’s often softer than the absolute imperative form (e.g., 行け!).
Think of it as a “gentle but firm instruction” or “encouragement to do something that is expected to be done.”
It carries a nuance of guidance from a person in authority. It’s not a harsh, angry order, but rather a clear direction.
2. How to Form It
- Put the verb in the ます-stem (drop ます from the ます-form).
- Add なさい.
| Verb | ます form | stem | ～なさい |
|---|---|---|---|
| 行く (to go) | 行きます | 行き | 行きなさい |
| 食べる (to eat) | 食べます | 食べ | 食べなさい |
| する (to do) | します | し | しなさい |
| 来る (to come) | 来ます | 来 | 来なさい |
Examples:
- 早く行きなさい。 “Go quickly.”
- もう遅いから、寝なさい。 “It’s late—go to bed.”
You’ll also see なさい in exam instructions, e.g. ひらがなを漢字で書きなさい。 “Write the hiragana in kanji.”
3. When to Use (and when not to)
Use it when:
- You have clear authority over the listener (parent/teacher).
- You’re giving written instructions (tests/worksheets/posters).
Avoid it when:
- Talking to strangers, seniors, or customers—use V-てください instead (polite request).
If you want to review “～てください”, read this article: How to Use te kudasai（〜てください） in Japanese | Polite Request Form Explained
4. Examples You’ll Actually Hear
Scene: parents to their child
- ゲームをやめて、掃除を手伝いなさい。= Stop playing games and help with the cleaning.
- 早く寝なさい。 = Go to bed early.
Scene: teacher to students
- 授業中におしゃべりをするのをやめなさい。= Stop talking during class.
- いじめるのをやめなさい。= Stop bullying.
5. Practice
Change each cue to V-(stem) + なさい.
| cue | ～なさい form | English |
|---|---|---|
| 七時に起きる | 七時に起きなさい | Get up at seven o’clock. |
| 外で遊ぶ | 外で遊びなさい | Go play outside. |
| 計画を立てる | 計画を立てなさい | Make a plan. |
| 名前を書く | 名前を書きなさい | Write your name. |
| もっとゆっくり話す | もっとゆっくり話しなさい | Speak more slowly. |
Your turn:
- 無駄づかいをやめる → ＿＿＿。
- 毎日ピアノを練習する → ＿＿＿。
- 早く着替える → ＿＿＿。
6. Common Mistakes (and fixes)
- Using it with the wrong audience.
Don’t say なさい to seniors or customers. Use V-てください instead. - Forgetting the stem.
× 行きますなさい → 行きなさい (ます is dropped).
7. Tips: Comparison with other Command Forms
Japanese has several ways to give commands, each with a different level of politeness and force.
| Pattern | Tone & Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|
| V-stem + nasai | Gentle but firm command/instruction. Used by superiors to inferiors (parent to child, teacher to student), or in written instructions. | 宿題をしなさい。 Do your homework. |
| V-te kudasai | Polite request. Standard polite way to ask someone to do something. | 宿題をしてください。 Please do your homework. |
| Imperative (命令形) | Strong, direct, and often harsh command. Used in emergencies, by angry speakers, or in sports/military. Can sound rude. | 宿題をしろ！ Do your homework! – Very strong/masculine |
8. FAQ
- QWhat’s the main difference between V-nasai (〜なさい) and V-te kudasai (〜てください)?
- A
V-nasai (〜なさい): A firm instruction or command given from a superior to an inferior (e.g., parent to child, teacher to student). It is not rude in these contexts, but it’s not a polite request. It means “Do X.”
V-te kudasai (〜てください): A standard, polite request suitable for most situations. It means “Please do X.”
- QCan I use V-nasai with friends or colleagues who are the same age/status as me?
- A
Generally, no. Using 〜なさい with equals can sound patronizing, bossy, or even rude, as it implies you have authority over them. With friends, you would typically use casual plain forms for requests or suggestions (e.g., 〜てね or just 〜て).
- QDoes V-nasai have a negative form, like “Don’t do X”?
- A
While 〜なさい itself doesn’t have a direct common negative equivalent, the most common way to give a firm negative command in this tone is by using 〜てはいけません (te wa ikemasen) or the informal 〜ちゃだめ (cha dame), or by using 〜のをやめなさい (no o yame nasai).
- ここに物を置いてはいけません。 (You must not put things here.)
- ゲームをするのをやめなさい。 (Stop playing games.)
- QIs V-nasai stronger or weaker than the plain imperative form (命令形) like 行け (ike – Go!)?
- A
V-nasai is generally softer and less aggressive than the plain imperative form (命令形).
Imperative (e.g. 行け！): Very strong, direct, and can sound harsh or angry. Often used in emergencies, by men, or in military/sports contexts.
Conclusion
You can now give clear, appropriate commands with V-(stem) + なさい:
- Build it from the ます-stem + なさい and use it with juniors/family.
- Expect it in instructions (tests, posters).
- Choose てください for polite requests and 命令形 only for urgent/very strong commands.
Try rewriting three real orders you give (or get!) at home or school with なさい—it’ll lock in the form and the tone.
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