「命令形」- Imperative Form
Explanation
The imperative form (命令形, めいれいけい) is a verb form in Japanese used to express strong commands. It is pronounced as "めいれいけい" and changes depending on the type of verb. This form is typically used in situations such as superiors giving orders to subordinates, military commands, or instructions on the sports field, conveying a very strong tone.
Grammar Pattern
The imperative form changes based on the type of verb as follows:
| Grammar Point | Connection | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Group I Verbs (五段动词) | Change the final "う" row sound to the "え" row sound | Used to express strong commands, suitable for superiors giving orders or direct instructions. |
| Group II Verbs (一段动词) | Remove the final "る" and add "ろ" | Used to express strong commands, suitable for superiors giving orders or direct instructions. |
| Group III Verbs (Irregular Verbs) | する → しろ 来る → こい |
Used to express strong commands, suitable for superiors giving orders or direct instructions. |
Usage and Examples
The imperative form is mainly used in two ways:
Direct Commands
- Used between superiors and subordinates, or when giving direct commands to children or animals.
- 早く起きろ。学校に遅れるよ。
- Hayaku okiro. Gakkou ni okureru yo.
- Get up quickly, or you'll be late for school.
- ドアを閉めろ。
- Doa o shimero.
- Close the door.
Strong Wishes
- Used to express the speaker's strong wishes or hopes.
- 当たれ！
- Atare!
- (When drawing lots) Let it be me!
Deep Dive
The use of the imperative form can reflect the speaker's attitude and emotions, and it should be used cautiously in different social contexts. The directness of the imperative form can sometimes be perceived as rude, so in more formal or polite situations, using 「～なさい」 or 「～てください」 is more appropriate.
Examples
- 親の言うことを聞け！
- Oya no iu koto o kike!
- Listen to your parents!
- この部屋を掃除しろ！
- Kono heya o souji shiro!
- Clean this room!
- もっと頑張れ！
- Motto ganbare!
- Work harder!
Common Mistakes
- Some learners may mistakenly use the imperative form to give orders to peers or superiors, which can cause discomfort.
- Confusing the imperative form with request forms. The imperative form is used for commands, while request forms are more polite.
Real-Life Scenarios
- Military commands or instructions in games.
- Direct commands to children at home.
- Coaching instructions in sports competitions.
Summary
The imperative form is an important way to express commands and instructions in Japanese. Understanding its usage and conjugation rules helps in using it accurately in appropriate situations. The versatility and flexibility of the imperative form make it a crucial part of everyday communication.