てください
Please Do
The standard way to say 'Please do...' in Japanese. It is used for polite requests, directions, and instructions.
How It Works
1. Meaning and Usage
〜てください is the most common way to ask someone to do something politely. It is used in daily life, classrooms, and shops. However, because it is a polite version of a command, it expects the listener to comply. For this reason, it is often used for instructions (like 'Please open your book') or when the favor is simple and expected.
2. Formation
To use this pattern, you must first conjugate the verb into the te-form:
- Group 1 (Godan): 待つ（まつ）→ 待って（まって）+ ください
- Group 2 (Ichidan): 食べる（たべる）→ 食べて（たべて）+ ください
- Group 3 (Irregular): する → して + ください / 来る（くる）→ 来て（きて）+ ください
3. Negative Requests
To ask someone not to do something, use the 〜ないでください form. This is created by adding ください to the nai-de form (e.g., 忘れないで（わすれないで）+ ください = Please don't forget).
4. Politeness and Casual Usage
While polite, this pattern can sound a bit direct if used with a superior (like a boss) for a large favor. In those cases, more indirect forms like 〜ていただけませんか are preferred. In casual speech with friends or family, the "ください" is often dropped, and the 〜て form alone is used as a request (e.g., 待って！ = Wait!).
5. Writing Note
In modern Japanese, ください is usually written in hiragana when used as a grammar helper, while the kanji 下さい is sometimes used for requesting physical objects (e.g., 水を下さい（みずをください）).
Examples (4)
- ここに名前を書いてください。
Please write your name here.
Word by Word: Here at name (object) write please.
A standard instruction often heard at reception desks or in classrooms.
- すみません、ちょっと待ってください。
Excuse me, please wait a moment.
Word by Word: Excuse me, a little wait please.
A very common daily request using the verb 待つ（まつ）.
- ゆっくり話してください。
Please speak slowly.
Word by Word: Slowly speak please.
Used when you want the listener to change how they are performing an action.
- 日本語で言ってください。
Please say it in Japanese.
Word by Word: Japanese language in say please.
Uses the particle で to indicate the means (language) of the request.
Common Mistakes
Using it for natural phenomena or things outside of human control.
明日、晴れてください。明日、晴れてほしいです。〜てください is a request to a person. You cannot 'request' the weather to change. Use 〜てほしい to express a desire for something to happen.
Using it to ask a superior for a significant favor.
先生、これを直してください。先生、これを直していただけませんか。To a teacher or boss, 〜てください can sound like an order. Using a question form like 〜ていただけませんか (Could you please...?) is much more respectful.
How It Connects
Learn This First
The 'te-kudasai' pattern requires the ability to conjugate verbs into the 'te-form', which depends on understanding verb groups. It also builds upon the polite request word 'kudasai' and requires an awareness of polite speech levels.
Related Patterns
- て形Te-form
The base conjugation required to attach ください.
Level 2 - ないでくださいPlease Don't
The negative version used to ask someone 'Please don't do' something.
Level 1 - ていただけませんかPolite Request
A more polite and humble way to make a request to superiors.
Level 2 - てほしいWant Someone to Do
Used to express a personal desire for someone else to do something, rather than a direct request.
Level 2 - Imperative form
The direct imperative (command) form, which is much harsher than 〜てください.
Level 3
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
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