～なさい (do ~)

• Reading: なさい
• Romaji: nasai
• Formation: Verb masu-stem + なさい

Meaning

A polite but firm imperative used by superiors such as parents or teachers to give instructions to those of lower status. It is softer than the plain imperative form.

なさい attaches to the verb masu-stem and creates an imperative that is softer than the plain imperative (しろ/せよ) but still carries clear authority. It is commonly heard in family settings, classrooms, and exam instructions. While it conveys authority, it is not rude — it implies care or guidance from the speaker. In casual speech, it is often shortened to な (e.g., 食べな, 早くしな). This form is not appropriate for use toward superiors or in business contexts, where ください or ていただけますか would be used instead.

Examples

1. 早く起きなさい。 Wake up early.
2. 宿題を出しなさい。 Hand in your homework.
3. 静かにしなさい。 Be quiet.

Usage Guide

Context: spoken, everyday

Tone: authoritative

Do Say

• 手を洗ってから食べなさい。
• もう遅いから寝なさい。
• 名前と住所を書きなさい。

Don't Say

• 部長、こちらに座りなさい。(なさい cannot be used toward superiors — use お座りください or こちらにどうぞ) → 部長、こちらにお座りください。
• 静かにしなさいませんか。(なさい does not combine with ません — it is already a fixed imperative form) → 静かにしなさい。

Origin & History

なさい is the imperative form of なさる, an honorific verb meaning 'to do.' Over time it became a standard gentle command form used by authority figures.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal