たまえ
🃏 Flashcard
たまえ
tamae
Tap to reveal usage
do~; order somebody to do something
N2
Tap to test your recall · +10 XP
📊 Pattern Stats
JLPT Level
N2
Upper-Intermediate · Academic & formal usage
Reading
tamae
Post ID
51145
Patterns today
0
0 / 10 daily goal
📝 Usage Notes
do~; order somebody to do something
📖 How to use it
A blunt, masculine imperative used to order someone to do something, similar to 'Do ~' or '~, will you?'
Attaches to
Attach to the ます-stem of a verb (the form used with ます, e.g., 行き, 食べ, 見).
たまえ is a commanding form that sounds like an order, but with a bit of authority. It's used mainly by older men (or in fiction) when telling someone—often a subordinate, a child, or a familiar peer—to do something. It's not polite; it's a direct command, but it's not as harsh as 命令形 (the plain imperative like 行け). Think of it as 'Do this' or 'Go ahead and do that.'
早く行きたまえ。
Hayaku iki tamae.
Go quickly.
ちゃんと食べたまえ。
Chanto tabe tamae.
Eat properly.
私の話を聞きたまえ。
Watashi no hanashi o kiki tamae.
Listen to me.
Not なさい
なさい is used when a parent or teacher tells a child to do something (e.g., 食べなさい). It's softer and more common in everyday family situations. たまえ sounds more like a commanding officer or an old-fashioned boss; it's more forceful and less common in modern casual speech.
Register
Very much spoken, but used by older or higher-status males in a stern yet not rude tone; often sounds dated or literary in modern conversation, so learners should be cautious using it.
🎯 Quick Quiz
What does this grammar pattern mean or do?
たまえ
📚 How to Master This Pattern
Say It Aloud
Press Hear it and repeat たまえ three times. Feel the rhythm — grammar patterns have a natural flow.
Flip Before Reading
Always try to recall the usage before flipping the card. Struggle = learning. Every failed recall makes the next one stick harder.
Write Two Sentences
Compose two original sentences using たまえ. One about yourself, one about something you see right now.
Spaced Review
Save this pattern and revisit at 10 min, 1 day, 3 days. Production (writing) beats recognition for grammar.
🔗 More JLPT N2 Patterns
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does the grammar pattern たまえ mean?
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Do~; order somebody to do something
What JLPT level is たまえ?
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Nihoner currently groups this pattern under JLPT N2 — Upper-Intermediate · Academic & formal usage. Use the level label as study guidance rather than a prediction of what will appear on an exam.
How do you use たまえ in a sentence?
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Attach たまえ (tamae) to the appropriate verb or noun form as described in the usage notes. Then try writing two original sentences — one about yourself and one about something around you.
Is たまえ formal or casual Japanese?
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たまえ is used in formal or written contexts. You will see it mainly in written texts, news, business Japanese and academic contexts.
How can I remember たまえ long-term?
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Use the flashcard on this page for active recall — see the pattern, reconstruct the usage from memory, then flip. Follow with the 4-choice quiz to distinguish it from similar patterns. Review later the same day and again over the following days. Writing original sentences can help you practise using the pattern in context.