なさい

Japanese

Etymology

From 為さる (nasaru, honorific for する suru, “to do”), derived from 為す (nasu, “to do”).[1][2]

Suffix

なさい (rōmaji -nasai)

  1. (informal) combines with the verb stem to create an imperative as a kind of strong request
    よく聞 (き)きなさい！
    Yoku kikinasai!
    Listen up! (as to a child or spouse)
    ここに名前 (なまえ)を書 (か)きなさい。
    Koko ni namae o kakinasai.
    Write your name here.
    あの猫 (ねこ)を見 (み)なさい。
    Ano neko o minasai.
    Watch that cat.

Usage notes

This is a suffix, attaching to the 連 (れん)用 (よう)形 (けい) (ren'yōkei, “stem or continuative form”) of verbs.

This is stronger than a simple request, and is considered somewhat informal. This may be used as a way of issuing a command, such as a teacher prompting a student to pay attention, or a parent scolding a child.

Unlike 下 (くだ)さい (kudasai), -nasai can only be used to make positive commands, never negative commands.

Synonyms

Derived terms

References
  1. 1988, 国語大辞典（新装版） (Kokugo Dai Jiten, Revised Edition) (in Japanese), Tōkyō: Shogakukan
  2. 2006, 大辞林 (Daijirin), Third Edition (in Japanese), Tōkyō: Sanseidō, →ISBN
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