Let's use the imperative form to give instructions / Japanese Learning Support LLC
Let's learn the imperative form in Japanese grammar!
Now, imagine this scenario.
I'm hiking in the mountains with a friend.
Suddenly, a large rock fell from above.
What would you say to your friend?
You: "Watch out! Run!"
This is how you can say, "Run away!"
This "Run away" means "Please run away."
"I'm running away" → "Run away!"
As shown above, the verb form is changed and used accordingly.
The imperative form is used when you want to strongly tell someone **"Please do this."**
Today, let's learn about the detailed usage and formation of the "imperative form."
Today's menu
1. How to use the "imperative form" - Speak firmly!
2. How to form the "imperative form"
3. Let's try some practice problems! ~Let's try using the "imperative form"~
How to use the imperative form: Speak firmly!
Let's start by looking at some example sentences.
Sample 1: Watch out! Run!
Sample 2: Wake up quickly!
Sample 3 Come here!
Sample 4: Be quiet!
Thus, the imperative form is used when you want to say something forcefully to someone.
for example,
Watch out! Run!
That means, "It's dangerous, so run away!"
Also,
Wake up quickly!
This means, "Please wake up early!"
The imperative form is a stronger way of speaking than "please do...".
Therefore, it's not often used when asking someone to do something in a normal conversation.
So, when would you use it?
When do you use the imperative form?
★In case of emergency
When something dangerous happens, we often use the imperative form.
Sample 1: Run away immediately!
Sample 2: Fire! Get outside!
Sample 3 Watch out! Stop!
Sample 4: Wake up quickly!
In situations like this, you want the other person to act immediately, so you use short, firm language.
For example, when someone is about to run out into the road,
"Dangerous! Stop!"
It can be said that...
It's shorter and more effective than saying "Please stop."
★Supporting and giving instructions in sports
The imperative form is sometimes used in sports as well.
Sample 1: Good luck!
Sample 2 Run!
Sample 3 Go!
Sample 4 Hit it!
For example, when watching a soccer match,
"Go! Go!"
I sometimes cheer them on like that.
In this case, I'm not angry at the other person.
I use it to express feelings like, "Keep going!" or "Go further!"
Using the imperative form can express strong support or create rhythm.
★When using strong language
In movies and dramas, it's also used when giving a strong command to someone.
Sample 1: Hurry up!
Sample 2 Shut up!
Sample 3 Get out of the way!
Sample 4: Listen to what I have to say!
This kind of expression is quite strong. It's also used when someone is angry.
This is used when someone in a superior position, such as a boss or teacher, gives instructions to someone in a subordinate position.
Therefore, using it casually with friends or colleagues can sometimes come across as rude.
Also, avoid using this expression when speaking to superiors, teachers, or other people in positions of authority.
How to form the imperative sentence
The way to form the imperative form differs depending on the group of verbs.
★Group 1
Change the sound before "~masu" to an "e" sound.
I'm going → I'm going
Kakimasu → Kake
yomimasu → yome
hanashimasu → hanase
Wait → Wait
nomimasu → nome
I'll play → Play
for example,
Go quickly!
Read this book!
Wait here!
It is said like this.
★Group 2
Remove the "-masu" and add "-ro".
Tabemasu → Tabero
Mimasu → Miro
Okimasu → Okiro
Sleep → Sleep
for example,
Eat quickly!
Look closely!
Go to bed early!
It is said like this.
★Group 3
"Shimasu" and "Kimasu" have special forms.
shimasu → shiro
Come → Come
for example,
Study!
Come quickly!
That's what they say.
Be careful, "kimasu" (to come) becomes "koi" (come)!
What's the difference between this and "~te kudasai"?
Both the imperative form and the "please do..." form are used when you want the other person to do something.
However, they are used in different situations.
for example,
Please come.
come!
Let's compare them.
"Please come" is a standard, polite way of saying it.
You can also say things like, "Please come!" or "Please do come," and you can use it in situations where it's not a request from me, such as when you want to say, "Don't be shy," or "Please, please."
on the other hand,
"Come here!" is a strong command to the other person.
Therefore, you can't say things like "Please come" or "Please do come."
Let's try some practice problems! ~Let's try using the imperative form~
Complete the sentence by filling in the blanks ( ).
An example answer will be written at the bottom of this blog.
Example: Watch out! Hurry!
→ Watch out! Run away quickly!
① Fire! Get outside!
② Watch out! ( ) there!
③ Hurry up! There's no more time!
④ Hey ( )! There's something written here!
⑤ ( )! Go straight to the goal!
summary
How was it?
Today, we introduced the imperative form, a basic grammar point.
I encourage you all to start by learning the imperative form and try using it in emergencies or when watching sports.
Our JLS blog also features many other articles that are helpful for learning Japanese, so please be sure to check out our other posts as well!
That's all for today!
See you next time!
Example answer
problem
① Fire! Get outside!
② Watch out! Get away from there!
③ Hurry up! There's no more time!
④ Look closely! There's something written here!
⑤ Go! Straight to the finish line!
