手加減してね
tekagen shite ne
To say "go easy on me" in Japanese, you use 手加減してね (tekagen shite ne).
This phrase is commonly used in competitive contexts like sports, board games or video games to ask an opponent not to play at full strength.
What does it mean word for word?
The noun 手加減 (tekagen) literally refers to the act of adjusting or moderating one's strength or effort.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a polite request suitable for use with superiors or strangers, use 手加減してください. The default form 手加減してね is a soft, conversational request. Using the imperative form 手加減しろよ makes the phrase sound much more blunt, masculine or rough. Yurushite itadakemasu ka? is a formal way to ask someone to 'grant forgiveness' or 'go easy on' you.
How do you pronounce it?
tekagen shite ne
Did you know?
- The word 手加減 (tekagen) is also used in cooking to describe the intuitive sense of adding the right amount of a seasoning without using a measuring spoon.
- In traditional Japanese martial arts, the act of holding back strength to protect a student is regarded as a mark of true mastery rather than a lack of competitiveness.
- Asking for 手加減 (tekagen) in a formal business negotiation may be perceived as a confession of inadequacy or a lack of professional preparation.
Examples in context
- 初心者だから、手加減してね。Shoshinsha dakara, tekagen shite ne.I'm a beginner, so please go easy on me.
- 負けたくないけど、手加減してね。Maketakunai kedo, tekagen shite ne.I don't want to lose, but please go easy on me.
- 練習だから、手加減してね。Renshuu dakara, tekagen shite ne.It's just practice, so please go easy on me.
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are about to play a video game together.
- 蓮 Ren陽葵、対戦しようぜ！Himari, taisen shiyou ze!Himari, let's have a match!
- 陽葵 Himariいいよ。準備できた？Ii yo. Junbi dekita?Sure. Are you ready?
- 蓮 Renあ、でも手加減してね。A, demo tekagen shite ne.Ah, but go easy on me, okay?
- 陽葵 Himariふふっ、考えておくね。Fufu, kangaete oku ne.Hehe, I'll think about it.
