# なさい: do this; command > Learn how to use なさい, a JLPT N4 Japanese grammar point meaning do this; command, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons. JLPT level: N4 · Updated: 2026-05-17 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n4-nasai/ **なさい** means **do this; command**. It is a **JLPT N4** Japanese grammar pattern used to express the N4 idea of “do this; command” in natural Japanese. This grammar point often appears in conversation, written explanations, formal notices, and JLPT-style reading questions. If you want to express the N4 idea of “do this; command” in natural Japanese, **なさい** is a useful pattern to learn after the N5 basics. ## What does なさい mean? Use **なさい** when you want to express the N4 idea of “do this; command” in natural Japanese. Natural translations include: - do this - soft or firm command - do this; command The exact English translation changes with context. Focus on what the grammar point does in the sentence first, then choose the English phrase that sounds natural. ## How to form なさい
Verb masu-stem
+
なさい
Examples of the pattern: - Verb masu-stem + なさい - Verb masu-stem - なさい Pay attention to the word form before the pattern. Many JLPT N4 mistakes happen because the meaning is understood, but the grammar is attached to the wrong form. ## When is なさい used? Use **なさい** in situations like: - explaining a condition, reason, decision, comparison, or time relationship - making a sentence more specific than a basic N5 pattern - understanding natural Japanese in conversation or reading Tone and register: - neutral unless the grammar itself is marked as casual, humble, honorific, or formal - Common in daily speech, textbook examples, and JLPT N4 reading questions ## なさい example sentences
早はやく寝ねなさい。
Go to bed early.
command
宿題しゅくだいをしなさい。
Do your homework.
command
野菜やさいを食たべなさい。
Eat your vegetables.
command
静しずかにしなさい。
Be quiet.
command
ここに名前なまえを書かきなさい。
Write your name here.
command
Read the Japanese sentence first, then check the English translation. Try to notice what the grammar point contributes: condition, timing, limitation, possibility, decision, politeness, contrast, or emphasis. ## Nuance of なさい The key nuance is **do this; command in a sentence-specific context**. This matters because **なさい** may look simple in English, but the Japanese form tells you whether the speaker is describing a time, a condition, a decision, a possibility, a contrast, or a social relationship. For example: - In context, **なさい** helps make the sentence more precise than a direct English translation. - Compared with **てください**, it has a different focus even when both patterns appear in similar sentences. ## なさい vs てください Both **なさい** and **てください** can appear in related sentences, but they are different.
なさい
soft or firm command
Used to tell someone of lower status or in a close relationship to do something.
早はやく寝ねなさい。
Go to bed early.
vs
てください
polite request
Used when asking someone to do something, regardless of social level.
早はやく寝ねてください。
Please go to bed early.
Quick contrast examples: - Target pattern: 早はやく寝ねなさい。 — Go to bed early. - Related pattern with **てください**: compare the form and ask whether the sentence is about timing, condition, ability, decision, contrast, or politeness. If you are unsure which one to use, identify the main job of the sentence before translating it into English. ## Common mistakes with なさい
❌ Using it with the wrong verb, noun, or adjective form
✅ Attach なさい to the verb masu-stem
❌ Confusing it with てください because the English translation can look similar
✅ Check whether the speaker is giving a command or making a polite request
❌ Translating it too literally instead of reading the whole sentence context
✅ Read the full sentence to confirm the social relationship and intended tone
A good study habit is to write one short sentence and then change only the grammar point. This makes the difference between similar patterns easier to feel. ## Is なさい on the JLPT?
N4

Yes. なさい is connected to JLPT N4 grammar.

  • recognize it in reading
  • understand its nuance in context
  • use it in simple original sentences

For test preparation, do not only memorize the English gloss. Practice identifying the words around the grammar point, because JLPT questions often test structure and context together.

## Practice questions for なさい
1 Write one sentence using the basic pattern. production
2 Change the sentence into polite or casual style if possible. variation
3 Compare it with the related pattern from the comparison section. comparison
Keep the sentences short at first. Once the form feels natural, add time words, places, reasons, or contrast to make the sentence more realistic. ## Learning path for なさい
1 Use なさい as part of your JLPT N4 obligation, request, and command grammar toolkit. Review the level of pressure in なさい: necessity, prohibition, command, request, or advice.
2 Compare it with softer request forms and stronger obligation forms so your sentence does not sound too casual or too forceful.
3 Make one short sentence with なさい, then compare it with 必要がある.
4 Add が必要 or な to see how the nuance changes.
5 Write one sentence that uses なさい in its most literal meaning, one sentence that changes the subject or time expression, and one sentence that contrasts it with one of the related patterns below.
## Related grammar to review next - [必要がある](/blog/n4-hitsuyou-ga-aru/) — shows a nearby level of obligation, command, advice, or request strength. - [が必要](/blog/n4-ga-hitsuyou/) — shows a nearby level of obligation, command, advice, or request strength. - [な](/blog/n4-na/) — shows a nearby level of obligation, command, advice, or request strength. - [お～ください](/blog/n4-o-kudasai/) — shows a nearby level of obligation, command, advice, or request strength. ## Learn なさい with Hane If you want to review **なさい** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions. Browse more lessons here: - [All grammar lessons](/blog/) - [JLPT N4 grammar lessons](/blog/n4/)