Imperative Form (~ro/~nasai)

The imperative form is used to give direct commands. There are two main levels: the plain imperative (~ろ/~え) which is very blunt and forceful, and ~なさい which is a firm but softer command often used by parents, teachers, or superiors.

For the plain imperative: ru-verbs replace -ru with -ro; u-verbs change the final -u to -e; する becomes しろ (or せよ in written/formal style); くる becomes こい. For negative commands, use ~な after the dictionary form (e.g., 行くな 'don't go').

The ~なさい form is made by attaching なさい to the verb stem (masu-stem). It is commonly used by parents speaking to children or teachers to students. While still a command, it carries more warmth than the plain imperative. In very casual speech, なさい is often shortened to な (e.g., 食べな).