～て (Casual Request)
Please do for me (Casual request)
Structure
Explanation
In informal conversation, てください is frequently abbreviated to just て. While it's often a friendly request to 'do (A) for me', it can also carry the nuance of a gentle command. For this reason, it is typically reserved for use with close friends or when speaking to someone of a lower social position.
You can generally recognize this usage of て when it is found at the very end of a sentence.
- もう遅いから、早く準備して。It's already late, so please get ready quickly.
- ちょっと手伝って。Can you help me out for a bit?
Caution
Be aware that て can also appear at the end of a sentence for other reasons. This frequently occurs when a speaker pauses mid-sentence to think about what to say next. When this happens, the て sound is often drawn out to indicate hesitation.
- お弁当を持っていって...I took my lunch box with me and…
The て form is also used when giving the reason for an apology. In this structure, the verb in its て form explains the cause of the apology, whether the action itself was positive or negative.
- 昨日のパーティーに行けなくてごめんなさい。I'm sorry I couldn't make it to the party yesterday.
- 大切なカップを割っちゃってごめんね。I'm so sorry for breaking your precious cup.
Examples
「ちょっと暑いね。その窓を開けて。」
'It's a little hot, isn't it? (Please) open that window.'
「どうぞ、入って。」
'Come on in, please.'
「ここにお名前を書いて。」
'(Please) write your name here.'
友人A：「ねえ、その写真、見せてよ。」
友人B：「いいよ。」
Friend A: 'Hey, (please) show me that picture!'
Friend B: 'Sure.'
「電車に間に合わないよ！急いで！」
'We'll miss the train! (Please) hurry!'
「この帽子、かわいいでしょ？ちょっとかぶってみて。」
'This hat is cute, isn't it? (Please) try it on.'
「出かける前に、洗濯物を取り込んでおいてね。」
'Before you go out, (please) bring in the laundry, okay?'
医者：「どうぞ、あちらの椅子に座って。」
Doctor: '(Please) have a seat in that chair over there.'
「大事なことだから、よく聞いてて。」
'This is important, so (please) listen carefully.'
「すみません、市役所への行き方を教えて。」
'Excuse me, (please) tell me how to get to the city hall.'
母親：「こら、まだ寝てるの？はやく起きて！」
Mother: 'Hey, are you still sleeping? (Please) get up quickly!'
「ごめん、千円だけ貸して。すぐ返すから。」
'Sorry, (please) lend me just 1000 yen. I'll pay you back right away.'