～て下さい
Please do (Polite request)
Structure
Explanation
てください is a courteous way to make a request. It generally means 'please do (A)'.
- ここに名前を書いてください。Please write your name here.
- そこで少し待ってください。Please wait there for a moment.
It is worth noting that ください is considered honorific language, a respectful form of speech used when talking about others' actions. The dictionary form of this verb is くださる. While ください is used specifically for making requests, くださる functions as the honorific language counterpart to くれる.
In casual situations, ください is often dropped, leaving just the て form. This serves as an informal way to ask someone to do something.
- この窓を開けて。Can you open this window?
- たくさん作ったから、いっぱい食べて。I made a lot, so you can eat as much as you want.
Examples
ここに名前を書いてください。
Please write your name here.
どうぞ、入ってください。
Please, come in.
ちょっと手伝ってください。
Please help me for a moment.
ゆっくり話してください。
Please speak slowly.
ここで降りてください。
Please get off here.
寒いから、窓を閉めてください。
It's cold, so please close the window.
後で電話してください。
Please call me later.
座ってください。
Please have a seat.
薬を飲んでください。
Please take your medicine.
明日、必ず来てください。
Please be sure to come tomorrow.
電気を消してください。
Please turn off the lights.