〜なさい nasai

〜なさい（nasai）means “do ~ (gentle command)”. Attaches to the verb ます-stem to give a soft, instructive command. Formation: V-ます（去ます）+ なさい

do ~ (gentle command)

N4

Formation

V-ます（去ます）+ なさい

Explanation

Attaches to the verb ます-stem to give a soft, instructive command. Gentler and politer than the plain imperative, it is the tone parents use with children and teachers with students. It directs but does not force, so peers or superiors are not addressed this way.

Examples

もう おそいから、はやく ねなさい。
もう おそいから、はやく ねなさい。
It's already late, so go to bed quickly.
ごはんの まえに てを あらいなさい。
ごはんの まえに てを あらいなさい。
Wash your hands before the meal.

Note

In casual speech the final い is often dropped (〜な): はやく しな。

FAQ

〜なさい — what does it mean and how is it used?

do ~ (gentle command). Attaches to the verb ます-stem to give a soft, instructive command. Gentler and politer than the plain imperative, it is the tone parents use with children and teachers with students. It directs but does not force, so peers or superiors are not addressed this way.

〜なさい — how do you form it?

V-ます（去ます）+ なさい

〜なさい — any usage notes?

In casual speech the final い is often dropped (〜な): はやく しな。

Learn in the app →