なさい
Appearance
Japanese
[edit]Etymology
[edit]Alternative spelling |
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為さい |
Either a shift from なされ (nasare) or an abbreviation of なさいませ (nasaimase), the imperative and polite imperative forms respectively of verb 為さる (nasaru, honorific for する suru, “to do”), derived from 為す (nasu, “to do”).[1][2]
Suffix
[edit]- (informal) combines with the verb stem to create an imperative as a kind of strong request
- よく聞きなさい!
- Yoku kikinasai!
- Listen up! (as to a child or spouse)
- ここに名前を書きなさい。
- Koko ni namae o kakinasai.
- Write your name here.
- あの猫を見なさい。
- Ano neko o minasai.
- Watch that cat.
- よく聞きなさい!
Usage notes
[edit]This is a suffix, attaching to the 連用形 (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 下さい (kudasai), -nasai can only be used to make positive commands, never negative commands.