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なさい

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary

Japanese

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Etymology

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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).[1][2]

Suffix

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なさい (-nasai

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

Usage notes

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This is a suffix, attaching to the (れん)(よう)(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 (くだ)さい (kudasai), -nasai can only be used to make positive commands, never negative commands.

Synonyms

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Derived terms

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References

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  1. ^ Shōgaku Tosho (1988) 国語大辞典(新装版) [Unabridged Dictionary of Japanese (Revised Edition)] (in Japanese), Tōkyō: Shogakukan, →ISBN
  2. ^ Matsumura, Akira, editor (2006), 大辞林 [Daijirin] (in Japanese), Third edition, Tokyo: Sanseidō, →ISBN