ついてきてください
tsuite kite kudasai
The English phrase "please follow me" is expressed in Japanese as ついてきてください (tsuite kite kudasai).
ついてきてください is used when you are physically leading someone to a location, such as a seat in a restaurant or a different room. Unlike the English 'follow me' which can mean 'obey my instructions,' the Japanese 'tsuite kite kudasai' almost exclusively refers to physical movement/walking behind someone.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase can be adjusted for different levels of politeness. Dropping kudasai makes the request informal and is used with friends or subordinates.
How do you pronounce it?
tsuite kite kudasai
Did you know?
- The verb part ついてきて is the 'te-form' of つく (to attach) and くる (to come), literally suggesting that the person is 'attaching' themselves to your movement.
- While ついてきてください refers to physical movement, the word ついて also appears in ついていけない, meaning to be unable to keep up with a fast-paced conversation or a complex intellectual argument.
- In Japanese service culture, a staff member leading a guest will often walk slightly ahead and occasionally turn back to ensure the guest is still there, rather than walking side-by-side.
Examples in context
- こちらに、ついてきてください。Kochira ni, tsuite kite kudasai.Please follow me this way.
- 準備ができたら、ついてきてください。Junbi ga dekitara, tsuite kite kudasai.Please follow me once you are ready.
- 迷わないように、ついてきてください。Mayowanai you ni, tsuite kite kudasai.Please follow me so that you don't get lost.
Example conversation
A staff member leads a guest to a table in a restaurant.
- 大翔 Hirotoいらっしゃいませ。ついてきてください。Irasshaimase. Tsuite kite kudasai.Welcome. Please follow me.
- 美咲 Misakiはい、わかりました。Hai, wakarimashita.Yes, I understand.
- 大翔 Hirotoこちらの席へどうぞ。Kochira no seki e douzo.Please, take this seat.
- 美咲 Misakiありがとうございます。Arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you very much.
