ちょうだい
choudai
In Japanese, "give me" is expressed as ちょうだい (choudai).
The term ちょうだい is used when requesting a physical object or a specific amount of something, such as food or drink.
Meaning: expression of preference (verb)
Which one should you use?
While ちょうだい is used for casual requests, the form もらえる？ is another informal expression used among friends.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ちょうだい is an informal, often cute or casual way to request something, typically used by children, women or between close friends. It has a playful tone used among friends or family. For a common and polite way to ask for something, use ください.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Kansai region, people often use くれや in informal situations instead of ください.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding a rising intonation at the end of ちょうだい turns the command into a casual request, such as "Can you give me…?"
How do you pronounce it?
choudai
Did you know?
- The phrase ちょうだい originates from the verb 頂く, which means 'to receive' but literally describes the action of lifting something above one's head in respect.
- In certain social contexts, using ちょうだい can actually sound like a request for a person's time or attention, not just a physical item.
- The phrase ちょうだい is often accompanied by a slight tilt of the head or a specific facial expression to enhance its 'cute' or 'spoiled' nuance.
Examples in context
- 一口ちょうだい？Will you give me a sip?This sentence is useful for asking if someone will give you a sip using ちょうだい.Tatoeba #9106922 by small_snow, translation #9106850 by CK
- 水をちょうだい。Give me water.This sentence is useful for requesting water using ちょうだい.Tatoeba #9180995 by small_snow, translation #3658519 by avshelar26
- 牛乳もちょうだい。Give me some milk, too.This sentence is useful for requesting milk as well using ちょうだい.Tatoeba #10630196 by small_snow, translation #250027 by CK
- ペンをくださいPlease give me a pen.
- 水をお願いしますI would like some water, please.
- ペンをくれる？Can you give me a pen?
- 水をちょうだいGive me some water, please.
- この本もらえる？Can I have this book?
- 31 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yota and Misaki are sharing snacks in a living room.
- 陽太 Yotaそのお菓子、ちょうだい。Sono okashi, chōdai.Give me some of those sweets.
- 美咲 Misakiいいよ。はいどうぞ。Ii yo. Hai dōzo.Sure. Here you go.
- 陽太 Yotaありがとう。美味しいね。Arigatō. Oishii ne.Thanks. These are delicious, aren't they?
- 美咲 Misakiでしょ？また買ってくるね。Desho? Mata katte kuru ne.Right? I'll buy more next time.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
