給え
(Please) do!, Ask to, Beg to, (Order somebody to do something)
Structure
Explanation
Derived from the imperative form of the Godan verb 給う, meaning 'to bestow', たまえ attaches to the stem of a verb to form a gentle command. It typically translates as 'please (do something)'.
However, it's important to note that たまえ is a male-centric expression used exclusively when speaking to individuals of a lower social rank. This power dynamic is typically clear to both parties, like the one between a teacher and a student.
- 慌てずに、ゆっくり話したまえ。Don't panic, please speak slowly.
- 仕事が終わったのなら、もう帰りたまえ。If you're done with work, you may go home now.
- 分からない所があれば、私に聞きたまえ。If there's anything you don't understand, please ask me.
Fun-fact
Historically, たまえ was also used to make requests or express wishes in prayers. Today, this particular usage is archaic and generally only encountered in literary works.
- おお、神よ。この国に平和を与えたまえ。O, God. Please grant peace to this land.
Examples
私の部屋から出て行きたまえ。
Get out of my room.
先生：「そこ、静かにしたまえ！」
Teacher: 'You over there, be quiet!'
「おお、勇者よ。この世界を救ってくれたまえ。」
'Oh, brave hero, please save this world.'
(outdated way of asking a favor/command)
医者が患者に：「ベッドに横になりたまえ。」
Doctor to patient: 'Lie down on the bed.'
Ａ：「彼はなんて？」Ｂ：「二度と私の前に現れるな！さっさと消えたまえ！と言われたよ。」
A: 'What did he say?' B: 'He said, 'Never appear before me again! Get lost at once!''
重役、部下に：「君の意見を聞かせてくれたまえ。」
Executive, to subordinate: 'Let me hear your opinion.' (bossy command)
「さあ、正直に全てを話してくれたまえ。そうすれば助けてやろう。」
'Now, tell me everything honestly. If you do, I will help you.' (command mostly found in literature)
「あの者たちに、ただちに城へ戻るよう伝えてくれたまえ。」
'Tell those men to return to the castle immediately.' (command mostly found in literature)
イライラした先生：「言い訳はもうやめたまえ！」
Irritated teacher: 'Stop making excuses!'
「兵士たちよ、前へ進めたまえ！」は、古い映画の将軍が言いそうなセリフだ。
'Soldiers, advance forward!' is a line a general from an old movie might say.
部長、部下たちに：「全員、すぐに会議室に集まってくれたまえ。」
Manager, to subordinates: 'Everyone, gather in the conference room immediately.' (bossy command)
社長：「そんなことはどうでもいい。さっさと仕事に戻りたまえ！」社員：「しかし、社長、これは重要な問題でして…」
Company President: 'I don't care about that. Get back to work at once!' Employee: 'But sir, this is an important issue...'