GRAMMAR
〜給え
(please) do
order
Explanation
NOTE
〜給え (たまえ) is an old-fashioned, literary command used by men to subordinates.
まあ、座り給え。
Well, do sit down.
Sounds like a senior man addressing a junior — typical of older novels or military dramas.
NOTE
Softer than 〜ろ but firmer than 〜なさい — it carries an authoritative, masculine tone.
NOTE
Today it sounds dated and is mostly heard in fiction, period dramas, or playful speech.
NOTE
Attach 〜給え to the verb-masu-stem (drop ます): 行きます → 行き給え.
STRUCTURE
Vます
<ruby>給<rt>たま</rt></ruby>え君、ちょっと来給え。
Kimi, chotto kitamae.
You there, come here a moment.
遠慮せず、食べ給え。
Enryo sezu, tabetamae.
Don't hold back — eat up.
諸君、よく聞き給え。
Shokun, yoku kikitamae.
Gentlemen, listen carefully.
Practice exercises
1
成功するには、君はもっと努力を努力したまえ。
In order to succeed, you make more effort.
Answer
努力したまえ
2
この難局を乗り越えるため、最善を尽尽くしたまえ。
In order to overcome this difficult situation, do your best.
Answer
尽くしたまえ
3
己の道を信じ、恐れずに進進みたまえ。
Believe in your own path, and advance without fear.
Answer
進みたまえ
4
手伝って頂戴と言うならば、君は準備準備したまえ。
If you say "please help me", then you prepare.
Answer
準備したまえ
5
お座り願います。さあ、ゆっくりお話し話したまえ。
Please sit down. Now, speak slowly.
Answer
話したまえ