なさい

Japanese

Etymology

Alternative spelling
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”).

Suffix

なさい • (-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(な)前(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

• (imperative): な (na)
• (request): 下(くだ)さい (kudasai); 頂(ちょう)戴(だい) (chōdai)

Derived terms

• お帰(かえ)りなさい (okaerinasai)
• お休(やす)みなさい (oyasumi nasai)