目錄
Japanese imperative and prohibitive forms do more than simply make a sentence stronger. Expressions such as “逃げろ” and “動くな” place the action directly on the listener with almost no polite cushioning. That makes them appropriate in evacuation, sports, or conflict scenes, but in an ordinary workplace they can immediately sound like scolding or ordering someone around.
The conjugation rules themselves are not especially difficult. For godan verbs, the final sound changes to the corresponding え-row sound. Ichidan verbs commonly take “ろ,” while the prohibitive form is simply the dictionary form plus “な.” The more common mistake is not getting the conjugation wrong, but using a correctly formed imperative in the wrong situation.
When you see expressions such as “行け,” “待て,” or “触るな,” first look at who is speaking to whom and how urgent the situation is. Only then can you tell whether the sentence functions as an order, warning, encouragement, or simply very harsh speech.
What Are Japanese Imperative and Prohibitive Forms? The Difference Between Direct Orders and Direct Prohibitions
The imperative form directly tells someone to do something, as in “逃げろ,” “急げ,” and “見ろ.” The prohibitive form is made by adding “な” to the dictionary form of a verb, as in “走るな,” “触るな,” and “入るな.”
Both forms remove the cushioning normally found in requests, so their tone is highly direct. During an immediate danger, this brevity can be useful because something like “逃げていただけますか” is too long and does not fit an emergency. In a normal office, however, “確認しろ” is no longer simply concise—it strongly signals hierarchy and can sound reprimanding.
- Example: 早く逃げろ。
Kana: はやくにげろ。
Translation: Run! Get out of here!
When danger is already approaching, the priority is to make the other person leave immediately, so a direct imperative does not sound out of place. - Example: そこから動くな。
Kana: そこからうごくな。
Translation: Don’t move from there.
“動くな” directly prohibits the listener from moving. The tone is strong and suits rescue or dangerous situations. - Example: 最後まであきらめるな。
Kana: さいごまであきらめるな。
Translation: Don’t give up until the very end.
A prohibitive form does not always mean scolding. In sports and motivational situations, expressions such as “負けるな” and “あきらめるな” can be encouraging.
Japanese Imperative Conjugation Rules: Godan, Ichidan, “する,” and “来る”
The imperative form changes according to the verb group. Godan verbs change the final う-row sound into the corresponding え-row sound. Ichidan verbs usually drop “る” and add “ろ.” “する” becomes “しろ” or the more written “せよ,” while “来る” becomes “来い.”
The prohibitive form is much simpler. Regardless of the verb group, the basic structure is the dictionary form plus “な.”
| Verb Type | Imperative | Prohibitive | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Godan verb | Final う-row → え-row | Dictionary form＋な | 書く→書け／書くな |
| Godan verb | Final う-row → え-row | Dictionary form＋な | 読む→読め／読むな |
| Ichidan verb | Drop「る」＋ろ | Dictionary form＋な | 食べる→食べろ／食べるな |
| Ichidan verb | Drop「る」＋ろ | Dictionary form＋な | 見る→見ろ／見るな |
| する | しろ／せよ | するな | しろ／するな |
| 来る | 来い | 来るな | 来い／来るな |
How Do Godan Verbs Form the Imperative? Change the Final う-Row Sound to the え-Row
Godan verbs do not add “ろ.” Instead, change the final sound of the dictionary form from the う-row to the corresponding え-row sound.
For example, “く” in “書く” becomes “け,” “む” in “読む” becomes “め,” and “つ” in “待つ” becomes “て.”
- Example: ここに名前を書け。
Kana: ここになまえをかけ。
Translation: Write your name here.
“書く” is a godan verb, so its imperative form is “書け.” Saying this directly to a stranger in an ordinary situation would sound very forceful. - Example: もっと速く走れ。
Kana: もっとはやくはしれ。
Translation: Run faster.
Although “走る” ends in “る,” it is a godan verb, so its imperative is “走れ,” not “走ろ.” - Example: そこで待て。
Kana: そこでまて。
Translation: Wait there.
The imperative of “待つ” is “待て.” It appears frequently in dramatic dialogue and situations where someone is being stopped.
How Do Ichidan Verbs Form the Imperative? Drop “る” and Add “ろ”
The standard imperative form of an ichidan verb is made by removing the final “る” from the dictionary form and adding “ろ.” For example, “食べる→食べろ,” “見る→見ろ,” and “起きる→起きろ.”
- Example: ちゃんと前を見ろ。
Kana: ちゃんとまえをみろ。
Translation: Look straight ahead.
“見る” is an ichidan verb, so it becomes “見ろ.” - Example: 早く起きろ。
Kana: はやくおきろ。
Translation: Get up now.
You may hear this within families or in dramas, but the tone is still very direct. - Example: 残さず食べろ。
Kana: のこさずたべろ。
Translation: Eat it all. Don’t leave anything.
“食べろ” carries a clear command. It cannot replace “食べてください” when someone is simply being politely asked or invited to eat.
Imperatives of “する” and “来る”: How Are “しろ／せよ” and “来い” Used?
The common spoken imperative of “する” is “しろ.” There is also “せよ,” which is more likely to appear in written instructions, slogans, rules, or formal commands. The imperative of “来る” is “来い,” pronounced “こい.”
- Example: 今すぐ準備しろ。
Kana: いますぐじゅんびしろ。
Translation: Get ready right now.
“準備する” becomes “準備しろ,” producing a direct and forceful command. - Example: 周囲の安全を確認せよ。
Kana: しゅういのあんぜんをかくにんせよ。
Translation: Confirm the safety of the surrounding area.
“せよ” is more written than “しろ” and is more likely to appear in regulations, slogans, and formal instructional language. - Example: こっちへ来い。
Kana: こっちへこい。
Translation: Come over here.
The imperative of “来る” is fixed as “来い,” pronounced “こい.”
Common Uses of Japanese Imperative and Prohibitive Forms: Emergencies, Sports, and Conflict
Imperative and prohibitive forms cannot be used freely in every situation. They are most natural in situations requiring an immediate response, in sports or intense encouragement, and in relationships or emotional situations where direct commands are acceptable.
Imperative／Prohibitive Use ①｜Demanding Immediate Action in an Emergency
During fires, earthquakes, traffic accidents, or other dangerous situations, there is little time to adjust politeness levels. Short expressions such as “逃げろ,” “伏せろ,” and “動くな” tell the listener exactly what to do immediately, so the strength of the imperative is appropriate.
These expressions should not be judged in the same way as rude commands in ordinary life. The same “動くな” may sound harsh in casual conversation between friends, but at a rescue scene it may be a necessary safety instruction.
- Example: 火事だ、早く逃げろ！
Kana: かじだ、はやくにげろ。
Translation: Fire! Get out quickly!
At a fire scene, people need to leave immediately, so the imperative keeps the message short. - Example: 頭を下げろ！
Kana: あたまをさげろ。
Translation: Get your head down!
If an object is flying toward someone or there is another immediate danger, a direct imperative is reasonable. - Example: 危ない、そこに近づくな！
Kana: あぶない、そこにちかづくな。
Translation: It’s dangerous! Don’t go near there!
The prohibitive directly stops the listener from approaching a dangerous location.
Imperative／Prohibitive Use ②｜Sports Commands, Cheering, and Strong Encouragement
Imperative and prohibitive forms are common in sports. Expressions such as “走れ,” “行け,” “がんばれ,” and “負けるな” are structurally strong, but they do not necessarily indicate anger. When shouted by spectators, teammates, or coaches, they often function as encouragement, urging, or a way to focus attention.
For this reason, you cannot simply see an imperative form and conclude that it is automatically impolite. The grammatical form is strong, but its actual function depends on the situation.
- Example: 行け！そのまま走れ！
Kana: いけ！そのままはしれ！
Translation: Go! Keep running!
Shouts during a competition need to be short and forceful, so the imperative functions as encouragement here. - Example: 最後までがんばれ！
Kana: さいごまでがんばれ。
Translation: Keep going until the end!
“がんばれ” is grammatically an imperative, but in actual use it is one of the most common encouragement expressions. - Example: 負けるな！
Kana: まけるな。
Translation: Don’t lose!／Hang in there!
In sports and motivational contexts, the prohibitive can express support rather than an order forbidding bad behavior.
Imperative／Prohibitive Use ③｜Drama Dialogue, Conflict, and Character Relationships
Imperatives are extremely common in novels, manga, anime, and Japanese dramas because a short expression such as “黙れ,” “来い,” or “触るな” can immediately reveal power relationships, anger, or emotional distance between characters.
In real life, much more caution is needed. You may hear these forms between family members, extremely close people, or in clearly hierarchical relationships, but they are often too strong for ordinary workplaces, customer service, or first-time interactions.
- Example: 黙って聞け。
Kana: だまってきけ。
Translation: Shut up and listen.
This clearly suppresses the other person and is common in confrontational dialogue. - Example: 勝手に決めるな。
Kana: かってにきめるな。
Translation: Don’t decide things on your own.
The prohibitive directly expresses dissatisfaction. Saying this to a coworker would make the confrontation very obvious. - Example: 二度とここへ来るな。
Kana: にどとここへくるな。
Translation: Never come here again.
“二度と＋prohibitive” expresses strong rejection and fits arguments or scenes of complete rupture.
What’s the Difference Between Japanese Imperatives, Prohibitives, “〜なさい,” and “〜てください”?
Japanese has many ways to tell someone to do something besides the imperative form and “〜てください.” The strength can range from “見ろ” to “見てください” and “見てもらえますか,” but these forms cannot be reduced to a simple scale of “impolite versus polite.”
For example, “〜てください” uses polite language but can still function as a clear instruction. “ここに名前を書いてください” does not casually ask whether the listener feels like writing their name. It politely instructs them to complete an action.
| Expression | Example | General Nuance | Common Situations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Imperative | 見ろ | Very direct and strong | Emergencies, sports, conflict, drama |
| Prohibitive | 見るな | Very direct prohibition | Emergencies, stopping someone, conflict |
| 〜なさい | 見なさい | Command, but softer than「見ろ」 | Adults to children, teachers giving instructions |
| 〜て | 見て | Direct instruction; tone depends on relationship | Friends, close relationships |
| 〜てください | 見てください | Polite request or instruction | Work, general service, formal interaction |
| 〜てもらえますか | 見てもらえますか | Asks whether the listener can cooperate | Collaboration, workplace |
| 〜ないでください | 見ないでください | Polite but clear prohibition | Public situations, general interaction |
Difference Between the Imperative and “〜てください”: Direct Order vs. Polite Instruction
“確認しろ” directly imposes the action on the listener with no cushioning. “確認してください” still asks the listener to check something, but it uses polite language and is appropriate for ordinary workplace and formal interaction.
- Example: 資料を確認しろ。
Kana: しりょうをかくにんしろ。
Translation: Check the documents.
In a normal office, saying this directly to a coworker can easily sound like a top-down command. - Example: 資料を確認してください。
Kana: しりょうをかくにんしてください。
Translation: Please check the documents.
The required action has not changed, but the expression fits ordinary professional interaction.
Difference Between the Prohibitive and “〜ないでください”: Strong Restraint vs. Polite Prohibition
“触るな” directly says not to touch something. “触らないでください” adds a polite form to the same prohibition. The latter is still a prohibition, so it does not mean the listener is free to choose. It is simply less sharp.
- Example: 機械に触るな。
Kana: きかいにさわるな。
Translation: Don’t touch the machine.
In a high-risk worksite where someone must be stopped immediately, this kind of form may appear. - Example: こちらの機械には触らないでください。
Kana: こちらのきかいにはさわらないでください。
Translation: Please do not touch this machine.
When addressing ordinary visitors or users, this wording is more natural.
Difference Between the Imperative and “〜なさい”: Harsh Command vs. Disciplinary Instruction
“〜なさい” is also an imperative expression and should not be treated as ordinary polite language. However, compared with forms such as “〜しろ,” it is somewhat softer and often appears when parents speak to children or teachers instruct students.
- Example: 早く寝ろ。
Kana: はやくねろ。
Translation: Go to bed now.
The tone is very direct and may sound impatient or harsh. - Example: もう遅いから、早く寝なさい。
Kana: もうおそいから、はやくねなさい。
Translation: It’s already late, so go to bed now.
The listener is still being told to sleep, but the tone is closer to parental or adult discipline.
How Different Are “待て,” “待ってください,” and “お待ちいただけますか”?
“待て” is a direct command. “待ってください” is a standard polite request. “少々お待ちいただけますか” turns the demand into a question asking whether the listener can cooperate, making it common in customer service and workplaces.
- 待て。
Wait. - 待ってください。
Please wait. - 少々お待ちいただけますか。
Would you mind waiting for a moment?
The requested action is the same in all three sentences. The difference is how the speaker presents that request to the listener.
Do Japanese Public Signs Use “入るな”? Common Ways to Express Prohibition on Signs
Public signs need to be noticeable, but that does not mean they always use direct prohibitives such as “入るな” or “吸うな.”
In parks, public facilities, and signs addressed to a broad audience, forms such as “〜ないこと,” “〜ないでください,” or noun expressions such as “立入禁止” and “駐車禁止” are also extremely common.
Imperatives and prohibitives are especially likely to appear in high-risk workplaces or situations where an accident must be prevented immediately. If the message is too long in those environments, it may actually slow comprehension, so short forms such as “注意せよ” and “触るな” can serve a real purpose.
General public signs:
- 立入禁止
No Entry - 芝生に入らないでください。
Please keep off the grass.
Dangerous worksite:
- 機械に触るな。
Do not touch the machine. - 周囲の安全を確認せよ。
Confirm the safety of the surrounding area.
So when you see a public sign, do not assume that an imperative will necessarily appear. Looking first at the level of danger and the intended audience makes it easier to understand why a particular form was chosen.
Japanese Imperative and Prohibitive Forms in Context: Evacuation, Sports, and the Workplace
One reason Japanese imperatives are easy to misuse is that textbooks first teach how to conjugate the verbs, while real-life use depends heavily on context.
The same “急げ” makes sense during an earthquake evacuation but may sound extremely sharp when used to rush a coworker in a normal office. The form has not changed, but the relationship between speaker and listener has, and that changes the tone completely.
Scenario ①｜Emergency Evacuation After an Earthquake
A：危ない！机の下に隠れろ！
あぶない！つくえのしたにかくれろ！
Danger! Get under the desk!
B：わかった！みんなも急げ！
わかった！みんなもいそげ！
Got it! Everyone, hurry!
📌 Grammar Point: “隠れろ” and “急げ” are both imperative forms. Because danger is already occurring, getting people to act immediately is more important than maintaining the politeness level of ordinary conversation.
Scenario ②｜Cheering for a Teammate During a Competition
A：あと少しだ！走れ！
あとすこしだ！はしれ！
Almost there! Run!
B：負けるな！そのまま行け！
まけるな！そのままいけ！
Don’t lose! Keep going!
📌 Grammar Point: “走れ” and “行け” are imperative forms, while “負けるな” is a prohibitive. The forms are strong, but in sports they function as encouragement rather than anger toward a teammate.
Scenario ③｜Asking a Coworker to Check a Number
A：この数字をもう一度確認してもらえますか。
このすうじをもういちどかくにんしてもらえますか。
Could you check this number one more time?
B：はい。午後までに確認しておきます。
はい。ごごまでにかくにんしておきます。
Sure. I’ll check it by this afternoon.
📌 Grammar Point: There is no need to use “確認しろ” in an ordinary cooperative relationship. “〜てもらえますか” still communicates the task clearly without creating unnecessary hierarchical pressure.
Cultural Notes:
- Japanese commands are not expressed only through the grammatical “imperative form.” Expressions such as “〜こと,” “〜ように,” “〜なさい,” and “〜てください” can also function as instructions or commands in particular contexts. The actual strength cannot be judged only from whether polite language is used. You also need to ask whether the sentence requires the listener to comply.
- In addition to the common spoken imperative “しろ,” “する” also has “せよ.” “せよ” appears more readily in written rules, slogans, and formal instructions, as in “安全を確認せよ.” Saying “確認せよ” face-to-face in ordinary conversation would sound highly deliberate and unnatural.
- General public signs do not necessarily favor the strongest imperative forms. Parks and public spaces often use “〜ないこと,” “〜ないでください,” or noun forms such as “立入禁止.” Short, forceful imperatives become more useful in high-risk work environments where immediate comprehension matters.
How Do Japanese Imperative and Prohibitive Forms Compare with Korean “-아／어라,” “-지 마,” and “-(으)세요”?
Korean also changes the strength of commands according to the relationship between the speakers and the situation. “-아／어라” can directly tell someone to do something, “-지 마” commonly prohibits an action, and “-(으)세요” is frequently used when a more polite request or instruction is needed.
Japanese expressions such as “逃げろ” and “走るな” are similar in function to more direct Korean command forms, but the ending systems of the two languages are different, so they cannot be matched one-to-one in every context. Age, relationship, situation, and urgency still need to be considered together.
◆ Similar Expression ①: Korean “-아／어라”
“-아／어라” directly commands someone to do something. It often appears in clear hierarchical relationships, dramatic dialogue, speech from older to younger people, or some close relationships. Its tone is stronger than the generally polite command “-(으)세요,” so it should not be treated as an ordinary request simply because both may translate as “do…”
- Example: 빨리 도망가라!
Romanization: ppal-li do-mang-ga-ra!
Translation: Run away quickly!
In an emergency, this directly tells the listener to leave, creating a situation very similar to Japanese “早く逃げろ.” - Example: 문을 닫아라.
Romanization: mun-eul da-da-ra.
Translation: Close the door.
This directly orders the listener to shut the door and has a clear commanding tone. In ordinary interaction with strangers or equal coworkers, it can sound forceful. - Example: 내 말을 잘 들어라.
Romanization: nae mal-eul jal deu-reo-ra.
Translation: Listen carefully to what I say.
“들어라” directly tells the listener to listen. It often appears when an older person addresses someone younger, in scolding, or in forceful dramatic dialogue, making it close in tone to Japanese “よく聞け.”
◆ Similar Expression ②: Korean “-지 마”
“-지 마” directly tells someone “don’t do….” It is commonly used in close relationships or situations requiring strong restraint. Adding “세요” creates “-지 마세요,” which is more polite and more suitable for public settings or interaction with people you do not know well.
- Example: 거기 가지 마.
Romanization: geo-gi ga-ji ma.
Translation: Don’t go there.
This directly stops the listener from going somewhere and is functionally close to Japanese “そこへ行くな,” although the actual strength still depends on the relationship and tone of voice. - Example: 이거 만지지 마.
Romanization: i-geo man-ji-ji ma.
Translation: Don’t touch this.
This directly stops the listener from touching something and has a function similar to Japanese “これに触るな.” When speaking to a stranger, “만지지 마세요” would usually be more appropriate. - Example: 너무 걱정하지 마.
Romanization: neo-mu geok-jeong-ha-ji ma.
Translation: Don’t worry too much.
“-지 마” does not always sound like scolding. Between close people, it can also be used to reassure or gently discourage someone, so the tone cannot be determined from grammar alone.
◆ Similar Expression ③: Korean “-(으)세요”
“-(으)세요” can be used to request or instruct someone more politely and is common in everyday interaction, customer service, and workplace situations. It is much softer than “-아／어라,” but it can still function as a clear instruction and should not be understood as merely an extremely polite request.
- Example: 이 자료를 확인하세요.
Romanization: i ja-ryo-reul hwak-in-ha-se-yo.
Translation: Please check this document.
The required task is stated directly while maintaining a polite ending. This is much closer to ordinary workplace instruction than “확인해라.” - Example: 여기에서 기다리세요.
Romanization: yeo-gi-e-seo gi-da-ri-se-yo.
Translation: Please wait here.
This may be heard in customer service, medical facilities, and general guidance. Its function is close to Japanese “ここで待ってください.” - Example: 천천히 말씀하세요.
Romanization: cheon-cheon-hi mal-sseum-ha-se-yo.
Translation: Please speak slowly.
“말씀하다” itself is an honorific verb, and combining it with “-(으)세요” makes it suitable for polite interaction. The interpersonal distance and tone are clearly different from the direct “천천히 말해라.”
◆ Core Differences from Japanese Imperative and Prohibitive Forms
Japanese imperative forms such as “〜ろ／〜え” and the prohibitive “dictionary form＋な” are highly direct by themselves, so they are rarely used as ordinary workplace or customer-service instructions in modern Japanese.
Korean “-아／어라” similarly carries a direct command tone, while “-지 마” expresses direct prohibition. Korean also adjusts interpersonal distance and politeness through endings such as “-(으)세요” and “-지 마세요.”
In addition, Korean “-지 마” does not always correspond to the very strong Japanese “〜するな.” In an expression such as “걱정하지 마” meaning “don’t worry,” it can simply provide comfort within a close relationship. The English translation may still use “don’t,” but the actual interpersonal tone can be very different.
When comparing the two languages, matching the function of the expression is more accurate than assigning one Japanese form to one Korean form mechanically.
The most important thing to remember about Japanese imperative and prohibitive forms is that the forms are short—and the tone really is strong.
“逃げろ” is perfectly reasonable at a fire scene. “負けるな” is encouragement at a sports match. “確認しろ” in a normal office can easily sound like a reprimand.
Once you have learned the え-row changes for godan verbs, the common “ろ” form for ichidan verbs, “しろ／せよ,” “来い,” and the dictionary form plus “な,” the next step is simply to look at the situation.
For ordinary task assignments, reminders, and prohibitions, expressions such as “〜てください,” “〜ないでください,” and “〜てもらえますか” are usually more appropriate. The direct imperative has its place when someone truly needs to stop immediately or act right away.
FAQ
The imperative directly tells someone to do something, as in “行け” and “見ろ.” The prohibitive uses “dictionary-form verb＋な” to tell someone not to do something, as in “行くな” and “見るな.” Both are strong forms and are mainly used in emergencies, sports, forceful restraint, and dramatic dialogue.
All three can tell someone to eat, but their strength and interpersonal relationship differ. “食べろ” is the most direct. “食べなさい” often carries the disciplinary tone of a parent or teacher speaking to someone younger. “食べてください” is a standard polite request or instruction. In ordinary customer service or workplace interaction, “食べろ” would usually be inappropriate.
Not in every situation, but it is definitely a strong prohibitive expression. It can work in emergencies, sports encouragement, dramatic dialogue, or particular close relationships. Directly telling a customer, superior, or unfamiliar person “〜するな” will usually sound very rude.
Because general public spaces do not always require the strongest possible command. Signs frequently use forms such as “立入禁止,” “入らないでください,” and “入らないこと.” Factories, construction sites, and environments where a momentary mistake could cause an accident have more reason to use short and forceful imperative or prohibitive forms.
It is not completely impossible, but its range is narrow. Safety operations, military contexts, or highly standardized commands may use direct imperatives. Ordinary task assignments, meetings, and cross-team collaboration usually use forms such as “〜てください,” “〜てもらえますか,” and “〜ようにしてください.” Direct expressions such as “確認しろ” and “早くやれ” easily create the impression of scolding or a strong hierarchical relationship.