下さい

Japanese

Kanji in this term
下
くだ Grade: 1

Etymology

Imperative (命令形) form of 下さる ‎(くださる, kudasaru, “give”), the honorific form of 呉れる ‎(くれる, kureru)

Verb

下さい ‎(hiragana ください, romaji kudasai)

1. please give me

   それを下 (くだ)さい。

   Sore o kudasai.

   Please give me that.

2. (polite, imperative) please do something for me; expressing a request

   現地 (げんち)に着 (つ)いたら電話 (でんわ)して下 (くだ)さい。

   genchi ni tsuitara denwa shitekudasai.

   Please call me when you get there.

   ゆっくり話 (はな)して下 (くだ)さい。

   yukkuri hanashitekudasai.

   Please speak slowly.

Usage notes

• The imperative sense is either attached to the て-form (te-form) of a verb, or a noun prefixed with お (o-) or ご (go-).

Synonyms

• (please give me): ちょうだい (chōdai) (usually used by females)
• (please): ちょうだい (chōdai) (usually used by females); なさい (nasai) (soft but firm); な (na) (casual)