なさい

Japanese

Etymology

Alternative spelling
為さい

From 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)