What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of サンドイッチ (sandwich), the object marker o and the te-form of the verb tsukuru (to make).
Which one should you use?
While サンドイッチを作って functions as a direct request or command, adding くれる？ to the end as in サンドイッチを作ってくれる？ turns it into a casual question, which is a common way to ask for favors among peers.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form サンドイッチを作って is informal and used with friends or family. For a more polite and complete request, you can add kudasai to the end to say サンドイッチを作ってください.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the request more polite, you can add kudasai to the end of the phrase, resulting in サンドイッチを作ってください. Additionally, adding kureru? to the end as in サンドイッチを作ってくれる？ transforms the phrase into a casual question.
How do you pronounce it?
sandoitchi o tsukutte
Did you know?
- Japanese 'fruit sandwiches' often use whipped cream and whole chunks of fruit, making them a dessert rather than the savory meal usually implied by 'make me a sandwich'.
- While サンドイッチ is a loanword, Japanese 'sandwiches' are often cut diagonally into triangles or rectangles, as serving a whole square slice is rare in cafes and convenience stores.
- If you use the phrase サンドイッチを作って with a stranger or a superior, it may sound incredibly blunt or even rude. Even with the polite ください (kudasai), a request for food is often framed more indirectly in Japanese culture to avoid sounding demanding.
Examples in context
- サンドイッチを作って。Sandoitchi o tsukutte.Make me a sandwich.
- お腹が空いたから、サンドイッチを作って。Onaka ga suita kara, sandoitchi o tsukutte.I'm hungry, so make me a sandwich.
- 明日の昼に、サンドイッチを作ってくれる？Ashita no hiru ni, sandoitchi o tsukutte kureru?Can you make me a sandwich for tomorrow's lunch?
Example conversation
A young man asks his sister for a snack in the kitchen.
- 大翔 Hiroto美咲、サンドイッチを作って。Misaki, sandoitchi o tsukutte.Misaki, make me a sandwich.
- 美咲 Misaki自分で作ればいいじゃない。Jibun de tsukureba ii janai.Why don't you make it yourself?
- 大翔 Hiroto疲れているんだよ。Tsukarete irunda yo.I'm tired.
- 美咲 Misakiしょうがないなあ。Shōganai nā.Goodness, you're hopeless.
