〜なさい
〜なさい means do; please do. It is a JLPT N4 grammar point. Attach it to the masu-stem to tell someone to do something. Parents or teachers often use it with children, and it can sound strong if used with friends or superiors.
Japanese sources describe it as 「指示・命令」.
〜なさい examples
ここに名前を書きなさい。
Write your name here.
早く寝なさい。
Go to bed early.
〜なさい exercises
Pick what belongs in the parentheses. The answer is marked below.
先生は学生に「静かにし（ ）」と言いました。
- なさい ✓
- ないでください
- た方がいい
- てみる
The teacher said to the students, "Be quiet."
母は子どもに「早く食べ（ ）」と言いました。
- てある
- なさい ✓
- ない方がいい
- なくてもいい
The mother said to the child, "Eat quickly."
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