ください
kudasai
The English phrase "may I please have" can be translated into Japanese as ください (kudasai).
ください is used when requesting a physical object or a specific service, such as asking for a menu or a refill. Note that while this is a polite way to ask for an object, it is not used to ask for permission to perform an action.
Which one should you use?
While ください is a polite way to request an object, 〜を お願いします (o onegaishimasu) is a slightly more formal and common alternative for making requests in professional or service settings. Additionally, お願いします can be translated to "Please" or "I would like."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ください is a polite imperative used in daily transactions, such as in shops or restaurants. For a more formal and respectful tone, you can use いただけますか. In very informal settings or with close friends, the less polite form ちょうだい is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
In a sentence, the object you are requesting is followed by the particle 〜を (o) before adding ください.
How do you pronounce it?
kudasai
Did you know?
- The word ください is actually the imperative form of the verb くださる, which is a special 'honorific' verb used only when someone of higher status gives something to the speaker.
- The word ください is a frequent guest in Japanese pop songs, often used in lyrics to express a desperate or heartfelt plea for 'love' or 'attention'.
- The informal version ちょうだい was historically used primarily by children and women, though it is now common among close friends of all genders.
Examples in context
- お水をお願いしますMay I please have some water?
- メニューをいただけますかMay I please have the menu?
- お冷をお持ちいただけますかMay I please have some cold water?
- 水をくださいPlease give me water.
- 新しいペンをください。Atarashii pen o kudasai.May I please have a new pen?
Example conversation
A customer is ordering at a cafe.
- 健太 Kentaコーヒーをください。Koohii o kudasai.May I please have a coffee?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、かしこまりました。Hai, kashikomarimashita.Yes, certainly.
- 健太 Kenta砂糖もください。Satou mo kudasai.May I please have some sugar too?
- 美咲 Misakiすぐにお持ちします。Sugu ni omochi shimasu.I will bring it to you right away.
