なさい

Auxiliary Verb (Basic ㊦ 284)

A polite imperative used by superiors such as parents or teachers to their inferiors (=people of younger age and lower rank)

Equivalent: Do something

もっと沢山食べなさい。: Eat more.
遊ばないで勉強しなさい。: Don't play. Study.
早くうちに帰って来なさいよ。: Come home early, OK?
もう遅いから歯を磨いて寝なさい。: It's late now, so brush your teeth and go to bed.

Formation

Vます	なさい
	話しなさい	Talk
	食べなさい	Eat

Notes

1. なさい is the imperative form of the verb なさる 'do' (polite honorific).

2. なさい is the polite version of nonpolite imperatives.

a. 読みなさい。 [a polite imperative]
Read it.

b. 読め！ [a nonpolite imperative]
Read it!

a. 食べなさい。 [a polite imperative]
Eat it.

b. 食べろ！ [a nonpolite imperative]
Eat it!

【Related Expression】

In contrast to なさい/ください is used by an inferior towards his superior when he asks a favor of the latter.

[1]

先生、文法を教えてください/*教えなさい。
Professor, please teach me grammar.