たまえ

「たまえ」 attaches to the verb stem and gives a command or urging that is milder and friendlier than the plain imperative 「行け」「やれ」. It is used by an older person to a younger one, a male superior to a subordinate, or between male friends: 「まあ、座りたまえ」 (Come, sit down), 「遠慮せずに食べたまえ」 (Don't be shy, eat up). Women hardly use it in daily life. Never use it to elders, clients or anyone above you. (In old prayers 「〜たまえ」 is a plea to a god, 「守りたまえ」; that is a different, archaic use.)

•Imperative (行け, 待て): blunt and rough; for emergencies or rude shouting.

•「〜なさい」: neutral; mothers to children, teachers to young pupils; any gender.

•「〜たまえ」: a gentle urging from a man in a higher position, with some authority and warmth.

•「〜てください」「〜てくれ」: asking someone to do something for you.