なさい

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Japanese

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Etymology

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Alternative spelling
為さい

From 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