Japanese from zero · N4 Lesson 26
Orders, apologies and thanks
〜なさい ・ なさる ・ 〜て すみません ・ 〜て よかった
In this lesson, you will learn to apologize for something you did, to say you are glad something happened, to ask a teacher or a customer what they will do with the respectful verb なさる, and to understand the 〜なさい orders that parents give at home.
By the end you will be able to say
遅れて すみません。Sorry I'm late.
早く 寝なさい。Go to bed early. (a parent to a child)
先生、何に なさいますか。Sensei, what will you have?
宿題を 忘れて すみません。I'm sorry I forgot my homework.
みんなに 会えて よかったです。I'm glad I could meet everyone.
The grammar in this lesson
- 〜なさい — do it! (a parent's order) — The ます stem + なさい is a firm, kind order from a parent or teacher.
- なさる — to do (respectful) — なさる is the respectful します, used for what a teacher, a customer or anyone above you does.
- 〜て すみません — sorry for doing — The て-form before すみません names what you are sorry for.
- 〜て よかった — I'm glad that — The て-form + よかった says you are glad something happened.