ください
kudasai
In Japanese, ください (kudasai) is a polite expression used to ask for something or to request that someone do something.
ください is a versatile phrase used for two main purposes: asking for a physical object or requesting an action. To ask for a thing, you name the object. To ask for an action, you use a verb in a specific form to request that the person perform that act.
Which one should you use?
While ください is a polite way to make a request, the imperative form of a verb functions as a command and is much more forceful, which can be perceived as rude.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ください is a polite way to make a request. It is suitable for use with strangers, staff in shops or acquaintances.
How does it change in a sentence?
The grammar changes depending on whether you are requesting an object or an action. When requesting a physical object, ください is typically preceded by the object and the particle o. When requesting an action, ください must be preceded by a verb in its -te form (〜てください).
How do you pronounce it?
kudasai
Did you know?
- The word ください is derived from the verb くださる, which is a special 'honorific' verb. This means the word itself is designed to elevate the status of the person giving the object or performing the action.
- While ください is polite, using it with a superior like a boss or teacher can sometimes be seen as too direct. In those cases, Japanese speakers use more indirect phrases like いただけますか to avoid sounding like they are giving an order.
- In Japanese restaurants, you will often see ください replaced by the word お願いします (onegaishimasu) when ordering. While both are polite, お願いします implies a deeper sense of 'I entrust this to you'.
Examples in context
- 水をください。Mizu o kudasai.Water, please.
- これをください。Kore o kudasai.Please give me this.
- 教えてください。Oshiete kudasai.Please tell me.
Example conversation
Daichi and Yui are at a cafe.
- 大翔 Hiroto結衣、塩を取ってください。Yui, shio o totte kudasai.Yui, please pass the salt.
- 結衣 Yuiはい、どうぞ。Hai, dōzo.Yes, here you go.
- 大翔 Hirotoありがとう。Arigatō.Thank you.
- 結衣 Yuiどういたしまして。Dōitashimashite.You're welcome.
