なさる

• Reading: なさる
• Romaji: nasaru
• Pronunciation: /na.sa.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To do (honorific). The respectful form of する, used when referring to the actions of someone of higher status.

An irregular honorific verb (Group 3-like conjugation). The masu-form is なさいます, and the imperative なさい is commonly used for polite commands. Essential for keigo (polite language) at the N4 level. Often replaces する when speaking about superiors.

Examples

1. 先生は何を研究なさっていますか。 What is the professor researching?
2. お仕事は何をなさっているんですか。 What kind of work do you do?
3. どうぞお好きなようになさってください。 Please do as you like.

Usage Guide

Context: business, customer service, polite conversation

Tone: respectful

Origin & History

Derived from the classical honorific verb なさる, itself from 為す (nasu, 'to do') with the honorific auxiliary る. Has been part of the keigo system for centuries.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal