Verb imperative form

[Imperative Form - Direct Command]

Connection: Verb imperative form

The imperative form expresses direct commands meaning "Do!" It is very strong and blunt, typically used in emergencies, sports, military contexts, or by superiors to subordinates. Use with caution in polite situations.

Conjugation Table:

| Verb Group | Rule | Examples | |------------|------|----------| | Group 1 (五段) | Change u-sound → え | 書く → 書け (Write!)<br>読む → 読め (Read!)<br>行く → 行け (Go!)<br>話す → 話せ (Speak!)<br>買う → 買え (Buy!)<br>待つ → 待て (Wait!) | | Group 2 (一段) | Change る → ろ | 食べる → 食べろ (Eat!)<br>見る → 見ろ (Look!)<br>Literary: 食べよ, 見よ | | Irregular | Memorize | する → しろ (Do!) also せよ<br>くる → こい (Come!) |

Usage Contexts:

• Emergencies: 逃げろ! (Run! / Escape!), 助けて! (Help!)
• Sports/Competition: 走れ! (Run!), 頑張れ! (Do your best!)
• Military/Authority: 止まれ! (Stop!)
• Superior to Subordinate: 早くやれ (Do it quickly)

Comparison with Softer Forms:

• なさい: Softer command (母: 宿題をしなさい - Mother: Do your homework)
• てください: Polite request (書いてください - Please write)
• Imperative: Very direct/blunt (書け - Write!)

Examples: 危ない!逃げろ! (Dangerous! Run!) 触るな!動くな! (Don't touch! Don't move!) もっと頑張れ! (Try harder!)