Which one should you use?
While これをください is the standard polite request, これをいただけますか？ is a more humble version used to show respect to someone of higher status. For a slightly more versatile polite alternative when ordering or requesting services, you can use これ、お願いします. If you want to be even more formal, お願いできますでしょうか？ translates to "May I request this, please?"
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
これをください and これ、お願いします are polite expressions. For higher levels of respect, particularly toward people of higher status, use the humble これをいただけますか？ or the very formal お願いできますでしょうか？ In casual settings with friends or familiar people, you can use the informal これをくれる？ or これをもらっていい？, which translates to "Can I get this, okay?" Additionally, お願いします serves as an all-purpose polite expression for making requests.
How do you pronounce it?
kore o kudasai
Did you know?
- While ください is polite, it is technically an imperative form. In extremely formal settings, using it as a command to a superior can be seen as slightly too direct, which is why いただけますか is preferred.
- The word お願い in お願いします refers to a 'wish' or 'favor'. Instead of asking to 'have' an item, you are essentially asking the clerk to 'grant a favor' by providing the item.
- The word ください comes from the verb くださる, which is a respectful version of 'to give'. It literally describes the act of the other person giving the item to you, rather than your act of receiving it.
Examples in context
- すみません、これをください。Sumimasen, kore o kudasai.
- これをくれる？Kore o kureru?
- これをください。kore o kudasai.Can I have this, please?
- これをお願いします。これをください。kore o onegaishimasu. kore o kudasai.This one, please. Can I have this, please?
Example conversation
Hiroto is buying a gift at a souvenir shop and Yui is helping him.
- 大翔 Hirotoこれはいくらですか？kore wa ikura desu ka?How much is this?
- 結衣 Yui五百円です。gohyaku en desu.It is five hundred yen.
- 大翔 Hirotoわかりました。これをください。wakarimashita. kore o kudasai.I understand. Can I have this, please?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、ありがとうございます。hai, arigatou gozaimasu.Yes, thank you very much.
