〜なさい

Pattern

〜なさい

Level

N4

Reading

なさい

Meaning

Do... (imperative command)

Attaches to

Verb (ます-stem)

Nuance & register

Used by authorities or parents to children; polite but firm.

Example

早く寝なさい。 Go to sleep quickly!

Easily confused with

〜てください (te kudasai) which is a polite request, whereas 〜なさい is a firm, authoritative command (usually from parents/teachers).

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