# たまえ: do; command to do

> Learn how to use たまえ, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning do; command to do, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.

JLPT level: N2 · Updated: 2026-05-06 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n2-tamae/

**たまえ** means **do; command to do**. It is a **JLPT N2** Japanese grammar pattern used to **give a direct command from superior to inferior**.

This grammar point often appears in advanced reading, formal writing, notices, essays, and careful conversation. If you want to read Japanese with more nuance, **たまえ** is a useful pattern to learn because it shows the speaker's logic, stance, or emphasis.

## What does たまえ mean?

Use **たまえ** when you want to **give a direct command from superior to inferior**.

Natural translations include:
- do; command to do
- depending on context
- in a way that matches the speaker's emphasis

The best translation depends on the sentence. Focus first on what relationship the pattern creates between the ideas.

## How to form たまえ

Verb stem + たまえ

Examples of the pattern:
- 早く席に着きたまえ。
- 自分の意見を言いたまえ。
- 遠慮せずに質問したまえ。

In JLPT questions, pay close attention to the word immediately before the grammar point. Many wrong answers use a similar meaning but attach to the wrong form.

## When is たまえ used?

Use **たまえ** in situations like:
- reading formal explanations, announcements, or essays
- making a point more precise than a basic grammar pattern would
- connecting two ideas with a clear nuance

Tone and register:
- usually neutral to formal, depending on the expression
- common in JLPT N2 reading passages, news, notices, and business-like writing

## たまえ example sentences

- 早く席に着きたまえ。 — Take your seat quickly.
- 自分の意見を言いたまえ。 — State your opinion.
- 遠慮せずに質問したまえ。 — Ask questions without hesitation.
- この資料を読んでおきたまえ。 — Read this material in advance.
- 落ち着いて考えたまえ。 — Calm down and think.

After reading each sentence, ask what job **たまえ** is doing. Is it adding, excluding, warning, emphasizing, or showing a condition? That habit makes the nuance easier to remember than a single English translation.

## Nuance of たまえ

The key nuance is **give a direct command from superior to inferior**.

This matters because N2 grammar often overlaps with easier expressions. The advanced pattern usually adds formality, emphasis, restriction, or a stronger logical relationship.

For example:
- In formal writing, **たまえ** often sounds more precise than a casual equivalent.
- Compared with **なさい**, it has a different tone or scope even when the English translation looks similar.

## たまえ vs なさい

Both **たまえ** and **なさい** can express related ideas, but they are different.

**たまえ**:
- fits the N2 nuance explained above
- often sounds more specific, formal, or emphatic

**なさい**:
- is usually broader, simpler, or used in a different register
- may be better in casual conversation depending on the sentence

Quick contrast examples:
- 早く席に着きたまえ。
- Try rewriting the sentence with **なさい** and notice whether the tone or meaning changes.

## Common mistakes with たまえ

Watch out for these mistakes:
- Translating it too literally and missing the function in context
- Confusing it with **なさい** just because the English translation overlaps
- Using it in casual speech when a simpler pattern would sound more natural

A helpful practice method is to write one sentence with **たまえ**, then compare it with a related grammar point. Explain the difference in your own words.

## Is たまえ on the JLPT?

Yes. **たまえ** is commonly taught as **JLPT N2** grammar.

That means learners should be able to:
- recognize it in reading
- understand its nuance in context
- use it in simple original sentences

For test preparation, study the grammar point in full sentences. JLPT questions usually test context, not dictionary translation alone.

## Practice questions for たまえ

Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Write one sentence that clearly needs **たまえ**.
- Write a second sentence with **なさい** and compare the nuance.
- Find a notice, article, or dialogue where this kind of meaning would be natural.

## Learning path for たまえ

To learn **たまえ** efficiently, follow a path that matches this pattern's real function.

1. First review the formation so the base structure feels natural.
2. Then compare **たまえ** with **なさい** and the related lessons below. These recommendations are chosen from similar semantic or structural families.
3. Finally, write your own sentence where the context makes **たまえ** necessary.

## Related grammar to review next

- [n4 nasai](/blog/n4-nasai/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register
- [n5 te kudasai](/blog/n5-te-kudasai/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register
- [n4 na](/blog/n4-na/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register

## Learn たまえ with Hane

If you want to review **たまえ** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you connect grammar, kanji, and vocabulary in short, focused sessions.

Browse more lessons here:
- [All grammar lessons](/blog/)
- [JLPT N2 grammar lessons](/blog/n2/)