Imperative form – usage
When used by itself as a sentence ending the imperative form can be very direct and can seem very rude. However it can be used by itself in some situations:
(1) By a man of higher status or age to a person of lower status or age, or by a father to a child.
早く寝ろ。
Go to bed now!
遅れるな。
Don’t be late!
(2) Between men who are friends, often followed withよ.
あした家へ来いよ。
Come round mine tomorrow.
あまり飲むなよ。
Don’t drink too much
(3) To be brief when giving instructions or in an emergency. Even in this case, only by men of higher status.
逃げろ。
Run!
エレベータを使うな。
Don’t use the lift!
(4) Commands in group activities such as sports.
休め。
Rest!
休むな。
Don’t stop!
(5) When cheering at sports events. Also used by women in this case.
頑張れ。
Go for it!
負けるな。
Don’t lose!
(6) In warning signs.
止まれ。
Stop!
入るな。
No entry.