〜なさい: meaning and usage

How to form it

• verb (masu-stem)+なさい

How it is used

An instruction from parents to children or teachers to students, also used in test directions (「答えなさい」). Not used to superiors, and rarely between equals. Gentler than the imperative form, firmer than 「〜てください」.

Examples

1. 出かける前に部屋の掃除をしなさい。

   Clean your room before you head out.

2. もう遅いから、早く寝なさい。

   It's late, so go to bed now.

3. 次の文を読んで、質問に答えなさい。

   Read the following passage and answer the questions.

4. たくさんあるから、もっと食べなさい。

   There's plenty, so have some more.