一つもらえますか？
hitotsu moraemasu ka?
The English phrase "can I have one" is expressed in Japanese as 一つもらえますか？ (hitotsu moraemasu ka?)
一つもらえますか？ is a polite request used to ask for a single item from someone. It is commonly used in retail or social settings when you want to ask for a sample, a single piece of candy or one item from a group.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from the verb morau (to receive) in its potential form moraeru (can receive) plus the polite question marker ka (can I receive?). The word hitotsu means "one."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
一つもらえますか？ uses the polite masu form, making it suitable for use with strangers, acquaintances or staff in shops. In contrast, the phrase 一つちょうだい is a much more casual and blunt way to say "give me one," which is used with friends or subordinates.
How do you pronounce it?
hitotsu moraemasu ka?
Did you know?
- While 一つ is a 'universal' counter, using it for people is a social mistake. To ask for 'one person', you must switch to the specific counter 一人 ('hitori').
- The casual way to ask for one, 一つちょうだい ('hitotsu chōdai'), is derived from a word meaning 'to receive a favor'. It is frequently used by children or women to sound more endearing or 'cute'.
- In extremely formal settings, the verb もらう is replaced by いただく, which literally means 'to receive humbly' and implies the speaker is lowering their own status to show respect.
Examples in context
- 一つください。One, please.
- 一つもらえますか？Hitotsu moraemasu ka?Can I have one?
- サンプルを一つもらえますか？Sanpuru o hitotsu moraemasu ka?Can I have one sample?
- その飴を一つもらえますか？Sono ame o hitotsu moraemasu ka?Can I have one of those candies?
Example conversation
Misaki is at a bakery and asks Ren for a pastry.
- 美咲 Misakiそのパン、一つもらえますか？Sono pan, hitotsu moraemasu ka?Can I have one of those breads?
- 蓮 Renはい、どうぞ。Hai, douzo.Yes, here you go.
- 美咲 Misakiありがとうございます、蓮さん。Arigatou gozaimasu, Ren-san.Thank you, Ren.
- 蓮 Renいえいえ、お口に合うといいです。Ie ie, okuchi ni au to ii desu.You're welcome, I hope you like it.
