Imperative (imperative)
Gives a direct command or request using the verb's imperative form
Meaning & usage
The imperative is the plain command form of a verb, used to give direct orders or to report what something says or tells you to do. For godan verbs it attaches to the verb stem with an -e ending (払え, よせ), while ichidan verbs use ろ or よ; negative commands use the verb's plain form plus な (飲むな, 動くな). It sounds blunt and forceful, so it appears mostly in casual speech, warnings, or written instructions.
Example sentences 4
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危ないから、そこを動くな!
It's dangerous, so don't move from there!
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早く逃げろ!火事だぞ。
Run, quickly! There's a fire!
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もう遅いから、テレビを見るな。
It's already late, so don't watch TV.
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先生が「静かにしろ」と言った。
The teacher said, 'Be quiet.'