ください
kudasai
In Japanese, "please can I have" is said as ください (kudasai).
The phrase ください is a polite way to request that someone give you something. It is most commonly used in service settings, such as when you are ordering food in a restaurant or requesting specific items in a shop.
What does it mean word for word?
The word ください literally means "please give me" in a polite imperative form.
Which one should you use?
While ください is polite, it is a direct request for an object. If you are asking for a favor or an action rather than a physical thing, you would typically use いただけますか instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
When asking for a specific object, you place the particle 〜を (o) between the object and ください.
How do you pronounce it?
kudasai
Did you know?
- If you use ください when asking to speak to a person, such as a manager, you might sound like you are requesting that the person be handed over to you like a piece of merchandise.
- The word ください is actually a polite command-form derived from the verb くださる, which means 'to give' in a respectful way. Even though it sounds like a request, grammatically it functions as a polite imperative.
- The phrase is built on a 'giving' verb, which means the social weight of the sentence is actually placed on the person giving the item. You are essentially acknowledging that the other person is graciously bestowing something upon you.
Examples in context
- 水をくださいMizu o kudasai
- メニューをください。Menyuu o kudasai.Please can I have the menu.
- お水をください。O-mizu o kudasai.Please can I have some water.
- 新しいペンをください。Atarashii pen o kudasai.Please can I have a new pen.
Example conversation
Yui and Kenta are at a cafe.
- 結衣 Yuiすみません、コーヒーをください。Sumimasen, koohii o kudasai.Excuse me, please can I have a coffee.
- 健太 Kentaはい、かしこまりました。Hai, kashikomarimashita.Yes, certainly.
- 結衣 Yui砂糖もください。Satou mo kudasai.Please can I have some sugar too.
- 健太 Kentaすぐにお持ちします。Sugu ni omochi shimasu.I will bring it to you right away.
