Japanese grammar
What does ～てくれと mean? Japanese grammar N3
～てくれと means ask/tell (someone) to please do ~ (quoted request).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N3 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Vて + くれと + 言う／頼む／伝える |
| Romaji | tekureto |
| Meaning | ask/tell (someone) to please do ~ (quoted request) |
Forming it
| Direct reporting | 手伝ってくれと言った |
|---|---|
| Passive (being asked) | 手伝ってくれと頼まれた |
How to use it
Reports someone else's REQUEST in indirect speech. Always used with 言う・頼む・伝える.
- 「～てくれと言う」 = tell someone to do something for you. 「くれ」 (the imperative form of くれる) is kept as is because it's quoting the original words.
- The passive form 「～てくれと頼まれた」 = I was asked to… — this is the most common form.
- When the request was polite, report it as 「～てほしいと言われた」 or 「～てくださいと言われた」; 「てくれと」 sounds blunt, suitable for a boss's or friend's words.
Examples
課長に、この資料をコピーしてくれと頼まれました。
The section chief asked me to copy this document.
友達が、駅まで迎えに来てくれと言っている。
My friend is asking me to come pick him up at the station.
Keep in mind
- After 「と」, a verb of saying/asking must follow.
- Not used as 「てくれると」 — the quoted speech must keep the imperative form 「くれ」.
Common mistakes
-
Wrongこの荷物を運んでくれと。
I was asked to carry this package.
Correctこの荷物を運んでくれと頼まれた。
After 「と」 there must be a verb like 言う／頼む／伝える.
-
Wrong手伝ってくれるとと言われた。
I was asked to lend a hand.
Correct手伝ってくれと言われた。
When quoting a request, keep the imperative form 「くれ」, not 「くれる」.
Exam tips
- 「てくれと言う／頼む」 = report a request; keep 「くれ」 as is.