Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 3 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 3
Direct command forms
Imperative forms such as 行け, 座れ, and 来い are direct and strong. They are used in orders, emotional speech, sports, military-style language, and some very close relationships. They are not neutral default Japanese.
Target signal
早く来い。
Come quickly.
Notice how Casual Commands and Prohibitions shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- 早く
- early; quickly
Compare in context
ここに座れ。
Sit here.
Notice how Casual Commands and Prohibitions shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- ここに
- here
- ここ
- here
- に
- to; at; in; on
Compare in context
最後までがんばれ。
Keep trying until the end.
Notice how Casual Commands and Prohibitions shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- まで
- until; up to
- 最後
- last; final
- が
- subject marker
Section 2 of 3
Prohibitions
The plain prohibition form is dictionary form + な. It is very direct. Softer casual negatives use ないで. In reading, this difference tells you a lot about tone.
Target signal
そのボタンを押すな。
Do not press that button.
Notice how Casual Commands and Prohibitions shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- ボタン
- button
- その
- that
- 押す
- to push
Preview
入るな。
Do not enter.
Notice how Casual Commands and Prohibitions shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- 入る
- to enter
- な
- sentence-ending particle; na
Preview
心配しないで。
Do not worry.
Softer than the plain prohibition form.
Vocabulary notes
- ないで
- without doing; instead of doing
- ない
- not; there is not
- 心配
- worry; concern
Section 3 of 3
Softer casual requests
Not every casual command is harsh. 〜て and 〜ないで can sound friendly or gentle depending on the relationship. This is common in family dialogue and text messages.
Target signal
ちょっと待って。
Wait a second.
Notice how Casual Commands and Prohibitions shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- ちょっと
- a little; just; hey
- って
- colloquial quoting or topic particle
- と
- and; with; that
Preview
忘れないで。
Do not forget.
Notice how Casual Commands and Prohibitions shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- ないで
- without doing; instead of doing
- ない
- not; there is not
- で
- at; in; by; with
Preview
静かにして。
Please be quiet.
Notice how Casual Commands and Prohibitions shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- 静かに
- quietly
- して
- doing and
- 静か
- quiet; calm