How to Use te kudasai（〜てください） in Japanese | Polite Request Form Explained

Introduction

Want to say things like “Please sit down,” “Please open the window,” or “Please speak Japanese”?

In Japanese, the polite way to ask someone to do something is by using the structure:
V-て + ください

This expression is essential for giving instructions, asking for help, or being polite in everyday situations — at home, at school, or even while traveling in Japan!

Let’s learn how to use it naturally with the right verb forms.

1. What Is V-てください?

V-てください literally means “please do [verb]” and is used when you politely ask someone to do something.

This structure is made by taking the て-form of a verb and adding ください.

2. How to Make the て-Form of Verbs

To use this grammar, you need to know how to change a verb into its て-form.

Here’s a quick guide:

For ru-verbs

Just drop る and add て.

For u-verbs

* one exception (u-verbs ending with く)

Irregular Verbs

💡 Note:
The て-form is very important in Japanese — it appears in many other useful patterns.

For example:

• V1-て、V2 → Do A and then B
  　📘 ばんごはんをたべて、ねます。(I eat dinner and then sleep.)
• V-てもいいです → You may / It’s okay to…
  　📘 ここでしゃしんをとってもいいです。(You may take pictures here.)
• V-てはいけません → You must not / It’s not allowed to…
  　📘 ここでたばこをすってはいけません。(You must not smoke here.)

So once you master the て-form, you can use it in many essential grammar patterns. It’s one of the most important forms to learn!

3. Using V-てください to Make Requests

Once you have the て-form, just add ください!

4. Practice with English Prompts

Try making these into Japanese using 〜てください：

1. Please speak Japanese.
   　→ 日本語にほんごを話はなしてください。
2. Please teach me Japanese.
   　→ 日本語を教おしえてください。
3. Please sit down.
   　→ 座すわってください。
4. Please close the door.
   　→ ドアを閉しめてください。
5. Please bring your textbook.
   　→ 教科書きょうかしょを持もってきてください。
6. Please write your name.
   　→ 名前なまえを書かいてください。

💡 You can make your own polite requests for everyday use, like:

• 窓まどを開あけてください。= Please open the window.
• エアコンをつけてください。= Please turn on the air conditioner.

5. FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Now you can make polite requests in Japanese like a pro!

✅ Use the て-form + ください to say “Please do ~”
✅ Learn the correct て-form conjugations
✅ Practice real-life requests like “Please sit down” or “Please close the door”

🎯 Try writing 3 polite requests you might use in your daily life!