JLPT N4 Grammar: 〜なさい (Nasai) – Giving Firm Instructions

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JLPT N4 Grammar: 〜なさい (Nasai) – Giving Firm Instructions
Meaning & Usage

✨ Basic Meaning

Do (instruction/command)

🎯 Primary Function

To give a firm command or order, softer than the blunt imperative form (~ro/kore) but more authoritative than ~te kudasai.

📋 Grammar Structure

Verb (Stem form) + なさい (nasai)
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable (usually expressed as ~naide kudasai or ~te wa ikemasen).

🎭 Usage Contexts

🏢 Formal Situations

Used in formal exam instructions or by superiors in a professional training context.

😊 Informal Situations

Commonly used within families, especially by mothers to children.

✍️ Written Language

Standard for test papers and instructional manuals.

🗣️ Spoken Language

Highly frequent in households and schools.

💡 Common Applications

Parental Guidance
Commonly used by parents when giving orders to their children in a firm but caring manner.
Example: 早く寝なさい (Go to sleep early).
Teacher Instructions
Used by teachers to direct students during class or exams.
Example: 教科書を開きなさい (Open your textbooks).
Formal Instructions
Often found in written instructions on tests or worksheets.
Example: 次の問いに答えなさい (Answer the following questions).
📊
Frequency
Common in specific social dynamics (superior to inferior).
🎚️
Difficulty
JLPT N4 (Intermediate Beginner)
Tag:

Related Kanji

JLPT N4 Kanji List

Related Vocabulary

JLPT N4 Vocabulary List
Example Sentences
Example #1
早く学校に行きなさい。
Furigana: はやくがっこうにいきなさい。
Romaji: Hayaku gakkou ni ikinasai.
English: Go to school quickly.
Example #2
ご飯を全部食べなさい。
Furigana: ごはんをぜんぶたべなさい。
Romaji: Gohan o zenbu tabenasai.
English: Eat all of your meal.
Example #3
自分の部屋を掃除しなさい。
Furigana: じぶんのへやをそうじしなさい。
Romaji: Jibun no heya o souji shinasai.
English: Clean your own room.
Example #4
先生の話をよく聞きなさい。
Furigana: せんせいのはなしをよくききなさい。
Romaji: Sensei no hanashi o yoku kikinasai.
English: Listen carefully to what the teacher says.
Example #5
前を向きなさい。
Furigana: まえをむきなさい。
Romaji: Mae o mukinasai.
English: Face forward.
Example #6
静かにしなさい。
Furigana: しずかにしなさい。
Romaji: Shizuka ni shinasai.
English: Be quiet.
Example #7
宿題をやりなさい。
Furigana: しゅくだいをやりなさい。
Romaji: Shukudai o yarinasai.
English: Do your homework.
Example #8
早く起きなさい。
Furigana: はやくおきなさい。
Romaji: Hayaku okinasai.
English: Wake up early.
Example #9
嘘をつくのはやめなさい。
Furigana: うそをつくのはやめなさい。
Romaji: Uso o tsuku no wa yamenasai.
English: Stop telling lies.
Example #10
そこに座りなさい。
Furigana: そこにすわりなさい。
Romaji: Soko ni suwarinasai.
English: Sit there.
Notes & Nuances

📌 Important Points

Nuance of Authority
~Nasai is considered more ‘polite’ than the blunt imperative (~ro form), but it is still a strict command that expects obedience.
Example: しなさい (Do it) vs しろ (Do it!)
Test Instructions
It is the standard form for written tests to ensure the instructions are clear and direct without being overly emotional.
Example: 答えなさい (Answer the question)

⚠️ Common Mistakes

❌ Using ~nasai to a person of higher status.
✅ 先生、食べなさい。 (Incorrect if meant to be polite) -> 先生、食べてください。 (Correct)
You should never use ~nasai toward a superior (boss, teacher, elder). It sounds condescending.

🏛️ Cultural Context

Politeness Level: Authoritative but not aggressive. It is derived from the honorific verb ‘nasaru’ but has evolved into a standard command form for superiors.
Social Situations: Mainly used when there is a clear power gap, such as parent-child or teacher-student. Using it with friends is rare and can sound bossy or joking.
Regional Variations: In Kansai, ‘nasai’ is often shortened or replaced by ‘na’ or other regional command forms.

🔍 Subtle Differences

~nasai vs ~te kudasai
~te kudasai is a request; ~nasai is a command.
When to use: Use ~te kudasai when you want to be polite; use ~nasai when you have the authority to order someone.
~nasai vs ~ro (Imperative)
~ro is blunt, often aggressive or used in emergencies; ~nasai is composed and instructional.
When to use: Use ~nasai for daily education/orders; use ~ro for extreme urgency or shouting.

📝 Conjugation Notes

The grammar is formed by taking the ます (masu) stem of a verb and replacing ます with なさい. For example: たべます -> たべ + なさい.

🔊 Pronunciation Tips

The pitch usually drops towards the end of ‘nasai.’ It should sound firm and decisive.

🧠 Memory Tips

Think of ‘nasai’ as the ‘Mom command.’ It’s what a Japanese mother says when she’s not angry enough to yell, but wants things done now.

Other Grammar

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