ひとつください
hitotsu kudasai
In Japanese, "one please" is said as ひとつください (hitotsu kudasai).
This phrase is used to make a polite request for a single item or serving of something.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ひとつ (hitotsu), which literally means "one thing" and serves as the general counter for objects and ください (kudasai), which means "please give me".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form ひとつください is polite and suitable for use in shops, restaurants or with strangers.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase follows the pattern [Quantity] + ください to request a specific number of items.
How do you pronounce it?
hitotsu kudasai
Did you know?
- The word ひとつ belongs to a native Japanese counting system that exists alongside a system borrowed from Chinese, which is why it is used for general objects rather than specific numbers.
- While ひとつ is used for general items, Japanese has entirely different words for 'one' depending on the shape of the object, such as いっぽん for long things like pens or umbrellas.
- In very casual settings, ください is often dropped or shortened to ちょうだい (choudai), a form originally used by children or when speaking to family members.
Examples in context
- すみません、一つお願いします。Excuse me, one please.
- お水を一つください。Please give me one glass of water.
- ビールを一つください。Please give me one beer.
- りんごをひとつくださいOne apple, please.
- コーヒーをひとつください。Kōhī o hitotsu kudasai.One coffee, please.
- ケーキをひとつください。Kēki o hitotsu kudasai.One piece of cake, please.
Example conversation
Misaki and Hiroto are ordering at a cafe.
- 美咲 Misakiメニューを見てもいいですか？Menyū o mite mo ii desu ka?May I see the menu?
- 大翔 Hirotoはい、どうぞ。Hai, dōzo.Yes, here you go.
- 美咲 Misaki紅茶をひとつください。Kōcha o hitotsu kudasai.One black tea, please.
- 大翔 Hirotoかしこまりました。Kashikomarimashita.Certainly.
