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
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
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.
Quick contrast examples:
- Target pattern: 早く寝なさい。 — 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
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?
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
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
Related grammar to review next
- 必要がある — shows a nearby level of obligation, command, advice, or request strength.
- が必要 — shows a nearby level of obligation, command, advice, or request strength.
- な — shows a nearby level of obligation, command, advice, or request strength.
- お～ください — 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:
FAQ about なさい
What does なさい mean in Japanese?
なさい means “do this; command” in Japanese. It is an N4 grammar point, and this lesson explains its formation, nuance, example sentences, common mistakes, and similar grammar.
Is なさい on the JLPT?
なさい is taught as N4 Japanese grammar in Hane's grammar lesson archive. Review it with examples, usage notes, and related N4 patterns.
How should I practice なさい?
Read several example sentences, identify the form before and after なさい, then make your own short sentences and compare it with nearby grammar points.