Japanese grammar · ≈ JLPT N4 · Intermediate 1

命令形meireikei

forceful direct command

Use the imperative to urge immediate action or give a forceful instruction; it can sound rude in everyday requests.

How it works

The imperative directly urges someone to act and sounds forceful. In the picture, who does each speaker want to do what?
First check which group the verb belongs to, then form the imperative. The three groups in the chart change differently.
For godan verbs, change the final kana from the う row to the え row: 急ぐ→急げ, 走る→走れ.
For ichidan verbs, remove the final る and add ろ. For example: 食べる→食べろ.
Even verbs ending in る may change differently: 走る is godan, while 食べる is ichidan.
Memorize the irregular forms separately: する→しろ; 来る→来い. 来い is pronounced こい.
This short, forceful form is often used when immediate action is needed in an emergency or when giving instructions during training.
For everyday requests for help, 「～てください」 is more polite. The imperative can sound rude.
In the example, 「がんばれ！」 cheers the other person on. A forceful tone can also convey encouragement.

Level 1 · Recognise
Which sentence is correct?
Level 1 · Recognise
Listen and choose the meaning
Level 2 · Build
Put the words in order
Show what you can do!
Level 3 · Use
What goes in the blank?
合図があったら、すぐに____！
As soon as you get the signal, run!