たまえOld-fashioned authoritative command
たまえ gives a measured but authoritative command from someone speaking as a superior or senior. In contemporary Japanese, it sounds literary, old-fashioned, and strongly associated with fictional or deliberately stylized speech.
The speaker takes a superior position
たまえ presents the speaker as entitled to direct the listener. Depending on the verb and scene, English may use a firm command or a controlled invitation such as “come in” or “go ahead,” but the Japanese still carries a clear difference in status.
A fictional superior speaking to a junior
君、そこに座りたまえ。話を聞こう。
Sit there. Let me hear what you have to say.
AnalyzeThis suits a stylized scene in which a senior official, professor, commander, or similar figure speaks downward. It would sound theatrical in most everyday workplaces.
Authoritative, but not necessarily shouted
The ending can sound calmer and more measured than a bare imperative. That does not make it polite: the speaker is still claiming authority over the listener, and the old-fashioned persona is usually the most noticeable feature today.
遠慮はいらない。さあ、入りたまえ。
No need to hesitate. Come in.
AnalyzeThe immediate meaning is welcoming, but the ending still makes the speaker sound senior and old-fashioned.
A distinct use in literary prayers
Literary prayers may use the same ending to ask a deity to grant or do something. This is a preserved prayer-like use, not the superior-to-junior command transferred into ordinary conversation.
神よ、迷える者に希望を与えたまえ。
O God, grant hope to those who are lost.
AnalyzeThis elevated prayer style should be kept separate from fictional dialogue between people.
Choosing a modern alternative
Use なさい for a productive modern downward command, a bare imperative for a blunter direct order, and てください for an ordinary polite request. Choose たまえ mainly when you deliberately want an old-fashioned superior persona.
More examples
自分の目で確かめたまえ。
See for yourself.
Analyze答えを急がず、よく考えたまえ。
Do not rush your answer; think it over carefully.
Analyze好きなものを一つ選びたまえ。
Choose one that you like.
Analyze心配せず、君の計画を続けたまえ。
Do not worry; continue with your plan.
Analyze用意ができた者から出発したまえ。
Those who are ready may set out.
AnalyzeThe English sounds permissive, but the Japanese still presents an authoritative direction.