～て + くれない
Won't you?, Will you?, Could you?, Can you?, Would you?
Structure
Verb［て］+ もらえない (か) ？
Could you not
Verb［ないで］+ くれない (か) ？
Verb［ないで］+ もらえない (か) ？
Explanation
In their negative forms, てくれない (from てくれる) and てもらえない (from てもらえる) function much like a negative question, similar to じゃないか. They convey the following nuances:
てくれない - Would you mind doing (A) for me?
てもらえない - Could I possibly have you do (A) for me?
- この荷物を運んでてくれない？Would you mind carrying this luggage for me? (Could you please carry this for me?)
- 窓を開けてもらえない？Could I get you to open the window for me?
With both of these patterns, the question particle か can be left out. However, adding か makes the request sound a little more polite.
- この問題を手伝ってくれないか？Would you not help me with this problem?
- この本を返してもらえないか。Could I have you return this book for me, please?
The list below arranges these forms by their degree of politeness.
てくれ, てくれる, てもらえる, てくれない (か), てもらえない (か)
Caution
Even though it appears on the list, てくれ can sound quite blunt or demanding. It is best to avoid using it in most social contexts.
Examples
そのレポートをちょっと読ませてくれないか？
Won't you let me read that report for a bit?
窓を開けてくれない？
Won't you open the window for me?
駅まで車で送ってくれない？
Won't you give me a ride to the station (for me)?
この荷物をあそこまで運んでもらえない？
Could you carry this luggage over there for me?
会議室を予約しておいてくれない？
Won't you book the conference room (in advance) for me?
この傘を届けてもらえない？田中さんに。
Could I get you to deliver this umbrella for me? To Tanaka-san.
おばあちゃん：「たかし、弟に勉強を教えてあげてくれない？」
Grandmother: 'Takashi, won't you teach your little brother his studies (for me)?'
会社に着いたら、メッセージしてくれないか？
When you get to the office, won't you send a message (for me)?
これ、僕が書いた小説なんだけど、読んでみてくれないか？
This is a novel I wrote, but won't you try reading it for me?
もう歩けないよ。手を貸してくれない？
I can't walk anymore. Won't you lend me a hand?
私のケーキを食べないでくれない？
Would you not eat my cake (for me)?
先生：「鈴木さん、困っている留学生を案内してあげてくれない？」
Teacher: 'Suzuki-san, won't you show the international student who's having trouble around (on my behalf)?'