ください
kudasai
ください (kudasai) is the Japanese phrase for "please give me".
This phrase is used specifically for requesting physical objects or things like information, rather than requesting an action (which would use the -te form of a verb).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ください is a polite way to make a request, suitable for use with strangers, staff in shops or people in higher positions. For a more humble approach, you can use onegaishimasu, which literally means "I humbly ask." In informal settings with friends or people of similar age groups, you might use Chotto kureru? to say "Can you give me a little?" or Totte to say "grab me."
How does it change in a sentence?
When requesting an object, the noun is typically followed by the particle を and then ください. The particle を is used after the noun that you want to be given.
How do you pronounce it?
kudasai
Did you know?
- While kudasai is used for objects, if you ask for an action using the same word, you are actually using a derivative of the verb 'to descend'.
- The word ください is actually the imperative form of the verb くださる, which is an honorific verb used exclusively when a person of higher status gives something to the speaker.
- When ordering at a counter, adding the word ひとつ 'one' or ふたつ 'two' before ください is more common than using the specific noun, as the item is often already obvious from the menu.
Examples in context
- 水をください。Please give me some water.This sentence shows how to use ください to ask for water.Tatoeba #143718 by bunbuku, translation #250149 by CK
- これください。Please give me this.Tatoeba #8583430 by bunbuku, translation #6335619 by CK
- 毛布をください。Please give me a blanket.This sentence shows how to use ください to ask for a blanket.Tatoeba #80172 by bunbuku, translation #2769828 by CK
- 76 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are at a cafe.
- 蓮 Renすみません、砂糖をください。Sumimasen, satou o kudasai.Excuse me, please give me some sugar.
- 陽葵 Himariはい、どうぞ。Hai, douzo.Here you go.
- 蓮 Renありがとうございます。Arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you very much.
- 陽葵 Himariいいえ。Iie.You're welcome.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
