なさい
Japanese edit
Etymology edit
Alternative spelling |
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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 edit
- (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
Derived terms edit
References edit
- ^ Shōgaku Tosho (1988) 国語大辞典(新装版) [Unabridged Dictionary of Japanese (Revised Edition)] (in Japanese), Tōkyō: Shogakukan, →ISBN
- ^ Matsumura, Akira, editor (2006), 大辞林 (in Japanese), Third edition, Tōkyō: Sanseidō, →ISBN