Imperative Form

Learn the formation of the Imperative form and how to use it for direct commands and instructions.

Introduction to the Imperative Form

The Imperative Form is used to give direct, blunt commands. Because it carries a strong and sometimes rude tone, its usage is restricted to specific scenarios like emergencies, sports, or between close male friends.

Imperative Form Conjugation

The conjugation rules depend on the verb group.

For Group I verbs, change the dictionary form's final ~u vowel to ~e.

Dictionary Form	Imperative Form
買うかう	買えかえ
待つまつ	待てまて
帰るかえる	帰れかえれ
飲むのむ	飲めのめ
死ぬしぬ	死ねしね
遊ぶあそぶ	遊べあそべ
書くかく	書けかけ
泳ぐおよぐ	泳げおよげ
話すはなす	話せはなせ

Conjugation Examples

水を早く飲め！
Drink your water quickly!
今すぐ書け！
Write it down now!
もっと早く泳げ！
Swim faster!
大きな声で話せ！
Speak up!

~なさい (Polite Command)

A slightly more polite command form, often used by parents to children or teachers to students.

Examples

質問に答えなさい。
Answer the question.
早くお風呂に入りなさい。
Get in the bath quickly.

Usage and Nuance

The Imperative Form is powerful and blunt. Use it carefully in the following situations:

1
Workplace: Superiors to subordinates.
おい、早く片づけろ。(Hey, tidy up quickly.)
2
Male Friends: Close casual conversations.
さあ、もっと飲めよ。(Come on, drink more!)
3
Emergencies: Urgent warnings.
危ない！止まれ！(Danger! Stop!)
4
Sports: Shouting commands or encouragement.
頑張れ！(Do your best!)
5
Quotations/Signs: Explaining meanings or quoting rules.
課長は「書類を早く提出しろ」と言いました。(The section manager said 'Submit the documents quickly'.)