Explanation

たまえ is a humble and old-fashioned expression used to give a strong command or request to someone of lower status or in a formal setting. It is rarely used in modern Japanese and is considered quite strong and blunt.

Personalized Lesson For You!

Key Formation

• たまえ + Verb

  たまえ、行け！ (Go!)

• たまえ + Noun

  たまえ、黙れ！ (Shut up!)

Example Sentences

• たまえ、ここを掃除せよ。 (Inspired by historical samurai dramas)

  Clean this place!

  たまえ、ここをそうじせよ。

  Tamae, koko o souji seyo.

  Pronunciation

• 汝、我が命令に従え、たまえ！ (Inspired by historical samurai dramas)

  Obey my command!

  なんじ、わがめいれいにしたがえ、たまえ！

  Nanji, waga meirei ni shitagae, tamae!

  Pronunciation

• たまえ、黙れ！ (Inspired by historical samurai dramas)

  Shut up!

  たまえ、だまれ！

  Tamae, damare!

  Pronunciation

Usage Notes

Notes and Tips for JLPT students

Related Grammar, and what's the difference?

• ください (kudasai) - (N4 - N5)
  - Both たまえ (tamae) and ください (kudasai) are used to make requests, but たまえ (tamae) is much stronger and more commanding.
• よ (yo) - (N5)
  - たまえ (tamae) and よ (yo) are both used to give commands or instructions. However, よ (yo) is less forceful and can be used in casual conversations.

Useful Vocabulary that appeared in this page

• * 掃除 (そうじ)cleaningPronunciation
• * 汝 (なんじ)you (old-fashioned pronoun)Pronunciation
• * 命令 (めいれい)commandPronunciation
• * 黙れ (だまれ)be quietPronunciation
• * 遅く (おそく)latePronunciation
• * 問題 (もんだい)problemPronunciation
• * 解け (とけ)solvePronunciation

Quiz

Which of the following means 'Obey my command!'?

• たまえ、ここを掃除せよ。
• たまえ、黙れ！
• たまえ、遅くなるな。
• たまえ、問題を解け。