What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 私に投票してください is composed of watashi (I/me), ni (to/for), tōhyō (vote) and shite kudasai (please do).
Which one should you use?
The standard form 私に投票してください is a polite request. For a more casual tone when speaking to friends or peers, you can use the shortened version 私に投票して. Another common alternative used in political campaigning is 私に一票をお願いします, which translates literally to "Please give me one vote". Finally, the highly informal and energetic 俺に一票をよろしく！ can be used to say "Please give me your vote!"
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 私に投票してください is polite and suitable for a candidate addressing a general audience or a group of citizens. Use 私に投票して for casual situations with friends or peers, and the very informal 俺に一票をよろしく！ in casual settings.
How do you pronounce it?
watashi ni tōhyō shite kudasai
Did you know?
- Japanese election laws are so strict that candidates are often prohibited from using certain words or phrases in written flyers that might be seen as 'buying' votes, even if they are polite.
- The word 投票 ('vote') shares its kanji roots with 票 ('ticket' or 'slip'), reflecting a history where voting was done by physically placing a slip of paper into a box.
- Japanese campaign culture often involves candidates shouting their requests for votes in unison with staff members to create a sense of collective momentum.
Examples in context
- 私を選んでください。私は生徒の皆さんの声を聞き、学校の環境を改善するために努力します。皆さんのサポートをお願いします！Please choose me. I will listen to the voices of all the students and work hard to improve the school environment. I kindly ask for your support!
- 私に投票してください。Watashi ni touhyou shite kudasai.Please vote for me.
- どうか、私に投票してください。Douka, watashi ni touhyou shite kudasai.Please, I beg you to vote for me.
- 最後に、私に投票してください！Saigo ni, watashi ni touhyou shite kudasai!Finally, please vote for me!
Example conversation
A school election campaign in the hallway.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔君、私に投票してください！Hiroto-kun, watashi ni touhyou shite kudasai!Hiroto, please vote for me!
- 大翔 Hiroto陽葵さんは何をしたいの？Himari-san wa nani o shitai no?What do you want to do, Himari?
- 陽葵 Himariみんなが楽しく過ごせる学校にしたいの。Minna ga tanoshiku sugoseru gakkou ni shitai no.I want to make the school a place where everyone can have fun.
- 大翔 Hirotoわかった、応援するよ。Wakatta, ouen suru yo.I got it, I'll support you.
