Japanese grammar
What does ～ください mean? Japanese grammar N5
～ください means please ~ / give me ~.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N5 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N を ください Vて ください |
| Romaji | ~ kudasai |
| Meaning | please ~ / give me ~ |
Forming it
| Noun | N + を + ください (please give me N) |
|---|---|
| Verb | V te form + ください (please do V) |
How to use it
Making a polite request or asking for something.
- With a NOUN: asking for/requesting an item — 「水をください。」
- With a VERB in the te form: asking someone to do something — 「待ってください。」
- This is an ordinary level of politeness. With someone above you, a more formal request expression should be used instead.
Examples
水をください。
Please give me water.
ちょっと待ってください。
Please wait a moment.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong待つください。
Correct待ってください。
Asking someone to do something requires the te form, not the dictionary form.