なさい
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Japanese[edit]
Etymology[edit]
From 為さる (nasaru, honorific for する suru, “to do”), derived from 為す (nasu, “to do”).[1][2]
Suffix[edit]
なさい (romaji -nasai)
- (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.
Synonyms[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ 1988, 国語大辞典（新装版） (Kokugo Dai Jiten, Revised Edition) (in Japanese), Tōkyō: Shogakukan
- ^ 2006, 大辞林 (Daijirin), Third Edition (in Japanese), Tōkyō: Sanseidō, ISBN 4-385-13905-9
