Meaning & usage
なさい turns a verb into a firm command, softer than the blunt imperative and typically used by parents, teachers, or superiors. It attaches to the masu-stem of a verb, as in しなさい and やってみなさい. Note that お帰りなさい is a fixed greeting, not a command.
Example sentences 8
-
したいことが出来なければ出来ることをしなさい。
When you can't do what you want, you do what you can.
-
ボケッとしないで、さっさとメモ書きなさいよっ。
Don't just stand there like a lump, start taking notes!
-
「ただいまー」「お帰りなさい」
"I'm back." "Welcome home."
-
自分でもそれをやってみなさい。
Do it by yourself.
-
六時きっかりにここへ来なさい。
Come here at six, not before.
-
旅行にいく用意をしなさい。
Please prepare for the trip.
-
さあ、来なさい！急いで！
Come on! Quickly!
-
体を大事にしなさい。
Take good care of yourself.