Particle (Basic ㊦ 266)
A negative imperative marker used by a male speaker in very informal speech
Equivalent: Don't do ~
| Vinformal nonpast | な | |
| 話すな | Don’t talk! | |
| 食べるな | Don’t eat! |
1. な is a strong negative imperative and is seldom used except in highly emotional situations. However, the addition of よ after な serves to soften the force of the statement.
2. A female speaker normally does not use the な imperative. She uses Verb negative ないで, as in 話さないで 'Don't talk.' or 食べないで 'Don't eat.'
(⇨ ください, Note 3)