N3 · Structured courses

～You ni Iu: Tell/Instruct To

Learn you ni iu for indirect commands — telling someone to do or not do something. This lesson combines form, context, examples, common mistakes, and practice so you can use the pattern in real communication.

12 minNihongo Hub Editorial TeamPublished 2026-06-06Updated 2026-06-06

Learning objectives

  • Lesson goals: Learn you ni iu for indirect commands — telling someone to do or not do something.
  • Form and connection: [人] に [Verb辞书形/なi-adjective] ように言いう
  • Nuance in real use: ように言う epitomizes Japanese indirectness — it doesn't directly quote a command but paraphrases "how one hopes the other will act." This indirectness softens instructions to fit Japanese interpersonal style.

Form and connection

[人] に [Verb辞书形/なi-adjective] ように言いう

Core Explanation

Learn you ni iu for indirect commands — telling someone to do or not do something.

Cultural Note

ように言う epitomizes Japanese indirectness — it doesn't directly quote a command but paraphrases "how one hopes the other will act." This indirectness softens instructions to fit Japanese interpersonal style.

Practical examples

The teacher told the students to do their homework.
My mother told me to come home early.
Please tell him not to be late.

Common pitfalls

Build the base form before adding the pattern

Complete the required conjugation first. Do not keep polite and plain endings at the same time.

Match politeness to the situation

The examples are reliable starting points; relationships and context can still change the most natural wording.

Practice and answers

1. Write the connection formula for this lesson.
Show answer[人] に [Verb辞书形/なi-adjective] ように言いう
2. Explain the meaning of the first example.
Show answerThe teacher told the students to do their homework.
3. Rewrite the final example using this lesson pattern.
Show answer遅おくれないように彼かれに言いってください。 ([人] に [Verb辞书形/なi-adjective] ように言いう)

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