Unit 2 - Section 1: 〜てください
ってください - te-form + ください (Request/Command)
Learn to make polite requests and commands using the て-form combined with ください. Essential for everyday politeness in Japanese.
Formation Pattern
Pattern: [Verb て-form] + ください
ください (kudasai) means "please" and transforms a command into a polite request
| Dictionary | て-form | With ください | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 来る (kuru) | 来て | 来てください | Please come |
| 待つ (matsu) | 待って | 待ってください | Please wait |
| 見る (miru) | 見て | 見てください | Please look |
| 食べる (taberu) | 食べて | 食べてください | Please eat |
| 飲む (nomu) | 飲んで | 飲んでください | Please drink |
Usage Notes
Politeness Levels:
- Most polite: ～てくださいませ (formal written)
- Polite: ～てください (standard polite)
- Less polite: ～て (direct command)
Negative Request:
Pattern: [Verb ない-form] + でください
- 来ないでください (konaide kudasai) - "Please don't come"
- 待たないでください (matanaide kudasai) - "Please don't wait"
Real-World Examples
手紙を読んでください。
[Tegami wo yonde kudasai]
Translation: Please read the letter.
明日来んでください。
[Ashita konaide kudasai]
Translation: Please don't come tomorrow.
もう一度説明してください。
[Mou ichido setsumei shite kudasai]
Translation: Please explain one more time.
Study Tips
Master Requests:
- Basic formula: te-form + ください = polite request
- Most useful: This is one of the most practical patterns in Japanese
- Practice: Make requests for common actions (come, wait, explain, help)
- Negative requests: Remember ～ないでください for "please don't"
Course Navigation
Study Tips
- Read each example carefully
- Practice pronunciation aloud
- Create your own sentences to reinforce memory
- Finish the section quiz