Either a shift fromなされ(nasare) or an abbreviation ofなさいませ(nasaimase), the imperative and polite imperative forms respectively of verb為さる(nasaru,honorific forするsuru, “to do”), derived from為す(nasu,“to do”).^[1][2]

なさい• (-nasai) 

1. (informal) combines with the verb stem to create animperative as a kind of strongrequest

   よく聞(き)きなさい！

   Yoku kikinasai!

   Listen up!(as to a child or spouse)

   ここに名(な)前(まえ)を書(か)きなさい。

   Koko ni namae o kakinasai.

   Write your name here.

   あの猫(ねこ)を見(み)なさい。

   Ano neko o minasai.

   Watch that cat.

This is a suffix, attaching to the連(れん)用(よう)形(けい)(ren'yōkei,“stem or continuative form”) of verbs.

This is stronger than a simple request, and is considered somewhat informal. This may be used as a way of issuing a command, such as a teacher prompting a student to pay attention, or a parent scolding a child.

Unlike下(くだ)さい(kudasai),-nasai can only be used to make positive commands, never negative commands.

• (imperative):な(na)
• (request):下(くだ)さい(kudasai);頂(ちょう)戴(だい)(chōdai)

• お帰(かえ)りなさい(okaerinasai)
• お休(やす)みなさい(oyasumi nasai)

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