If you’re learning Japanese or have watched anime, dramas, or travel videos, you’ve probably heard the word kudasai more times than you can count. It’s one of the most common Japanese expressions, yet it often confuses learners because its meaning goes beyond a simple English translation.
While kudasai (ください) is usually translated as “please,” its actual use depends on grammar, context, and politeness level. In Japanese, how you ask for something is just as important as what you ask for.
Understanding the kudasai meaning is essential for speaking polite and natural Japanese. It’s used to make requests, ask for items, and soften commands in everyday situations like shopping, dining, or talking to colleagues.
In this article, we’ll break down what kudasai really means, how to use it correctly, and how it compares to similar expressions. By the end, you’ll know exactly when and when not to use kudasai.
What Does Kudasai Mean?
The Japanese word kudasai (ください) is one of the first words learners encounter, but its meaning is slightly more nuanced than just “please.” Literally, it comes from the verb kudasaru (下さる), which means “to give (to me, respectfully).” Over time, it evolved into a polite request form that can be attached to verbs or nouns to ask someone for an action or item.
In everyday Japanese, kudasai is used to politely request things or ask someone to do something. For example, if you want water at a restaurant, you can say:
- Mizu o kudasai (水をください) → “Please give me water.”
It’s important to remember that in Japanese, the word please doesn’t always translate directly like in English. Kudasai doesn’t add emotion it’s purely polite. Using it incorrectly, such as with the wrong verb form, can make your request sound awkward or even rude.
Kudasai is generally considered polite but not overly formal, making it suitable for casual conversations, restaurants, stores, or speaking with peers you don’t know very well. It’s slightly more direct than onegaishimasu (お願いします), which is softer and often used in formal situations or when asking for favors.
In short, kudasai is a polite way of asking someone to give you something or do something for you. Learning the right context and grammar for kudasai will make your Japanese sound natural and respectful in daily life.
Origin and Literal Sense of Kudasai
To fully understand kudasai (ください), it helps to look at its origin. The word comes from the verb kudasaru (下さる), which literally means “to give (to me or someone in my in-group) in a respectful way.” In Japanese, giving and receiving are not just actions they carry social and cultural significance. Kudasaru emphasizes that the giver is doing something kindly or politely for the recipient.
Over time, kudasaru evolved into the request form kudasai, which literally translates as “please give me” but functions as a polite way to ask for things or actions. It’s important to note that this is different from simply saying “give me,” which in English can sound rude. In Japanese, kudasai softens the request, making it polite without being overly formal.
For example:
- Mizu o kudasai (水をください) → “Please give me water.”
- Chotto matte kudasai (ちょっと待ってください) → “Please wait a moment.”
Here, kudasai is used after a noun or a verb in the -te form to turn a direct command into a polite request. The word’s root in kudasaru shows the cultural emphasis on respectful giving and receiving, which is central to Japanese communication.
Understanding this origin is key to using kudasai naturally. It explains why the word feels polite but direct and why Japanese often pair it with other expressions, like onegaishimasu, in more formal situations. By knowing the root, learners can better grasp not just the grammar, but also the social nuance behind the word.
Politeness Level of Kudasai
One of the most important things to understand about kudasai (ください) is its politeness level. In Japanese, the way you ask for something is just as important as what you ask for, and kudasai is designed to be polite without being overly formal. It’s considered a standard polite expression, suitable for everyday situations such as shopping, dining, or speaking with acquaintances you don’t know very well.
Kudasai sits in the middle of the politeness spectrum. On one end, there’s casual language like choudai (ちょうだい), which is used among close friends or family. On the other end, there’s very formal language like onegaishimasu (お願いします), often used in business, official settings, or when making a serious request. Compared to onegaishimasu, kudasai is polite but slightly more direct. It shows respect but doesn’t sound overly ceremonious.
The tone and context also affect its politeness. Saying “Chotto matte kudasai” (ちょっと待ってください) in a friendly tone is perfectly polite in daily life. However, if you raise your voice or use the wrong verb form, even kudasai can sound demanding or rude.
In short, kudasai is polite, safe for most casual and semi-formal situations, and easy to use once you know the right verb or noun patterns. By understanding its level of politeness, you can avoid sounding either too casual or overly formal, helping you communicate naturally and respectfully in Japanese.
Grammar Structure: How to Use Kudasai Correctly
Using kudasai (ください) correctly depends on understanding Japanese grammar patterns. The basic rule is simple: attach kudasai to the -te form of a verb or directly to a noun to make a polite request.
- Verb + -te Form + Kudasai
When asking someone to perform an action, you use the -te form of the verb followed by kudasai. The -te form is essential because it turns the verb into a polite request.
Examples:
- Mite kudasai (見てください) → “Please look.”
- Tetsudatte kudasai (手伝ってください) → “Please help me.”
- Noun + o + Kudasai
When requesting an object, place o (を) after the noun and add kudasai.
Examples:
- Mizu o kudasai (水をください) → “Please give me water.”
- Pan o kudasai (パンをください) → “Please give me bread.”
Important Tips:
- Never use the dictionary form of a verb directly with kudasai; it sounds unnatural or rude.
- Always check whether the situation is casual or formal. For very formal situations, onegaishimasu may be more appropriate.
- The word order in Japanese matters: object/verb first, then kudasai.
Mastering this structure allows you to make polite requests in almost any daily situation. Once you understand verb-te + kudasai and noun + o + kudasai, you’ll be able to ask for actions and things naturally, without sounding awkward or impolite.
Kudasai with Verbs (Action Requests)
One of the most common ways to use kudasai (ください) is with verbs to politely ask someone to perform an action. This is done by attaching kudasai to the -te form of a verb. The -te form changes the verb into a polite request rather than a direct command, making your speech sound respectful and natural in Japanese.
For example:
- Mite kudasai (見てください) → “Please look.”
- Tetsudatte kudasai (手伝ってください) → “Please help me.”
- Yonde kudasai (読んでください) → “Please read.”
This structure is widely used in daily life, from classrooms to workplaces to casual interactions. When you say verb-te + kudasai, it signals that you are politely requesting action rather than ordering someone. Tone and context matter, so combining this structure with a friendly or calm voice ensures it doesn’t sound harsh.
Some key points to remember:
- Only use the -te form with kudasai. Using the dictionary form (like mimasu kudasai) is grammatically incorrect.
- Kudasai can be used with multiple verbs, but each verb must be in its -te form:
- Tetsudatte, matte kudasai (手伝って、待ってください) → “Please help me and wait.”
- Tetsudatte, matte kudasai (手伝って、待ってください) → “Please help me and wait.”
- Using kudasai with action verbs works in almost all polite settings, but for very formal or business situations, consider using onegaishimasu for extra politeness.
Understanding this structure allows learners to politely ask someone to do anything from small favors to more important tasks, making it a key part of natural Japanese communication.
Kudasai with Nouns (Asking for Things)
Another common use of kudasai (ください) is to politely ask for objects or items. In this case, you attach kudasai directly to a noun, usually with the particle o (を) to indicate the object you are requesting. This is essential for shopping, dining, or requesting items in everyday life.
For example:
- Mizu o kudasai (水をください) → “Please give me water.”
- Pan o kudasai (パンをください) → “Please give me bread.”
- Kasa o kudasai (傘をください) → “Please give me an umbrella.”
Using kudasai with nouns is simple, polite, and safe for almost any casual or semi-formal situation. It is more direct than onegaishimasu (お願いします), which is often used for favors or services rather than physical objects.
Some tips to use kudasai with nouns effectively:
- Always include o (を) after the noun unless the object is implied in casual conversation.
- Speak calmly and politely; tone matters as much as grammar.
- For multiple items, repeat the structure:
- Mizu o kudasai, soshite pan o kudasai (水をください、そしてパンをください) → “Please give me water, and bread too.”
- Mizu o kudasai, soshite pan o kudasai (水をください、そしてパンをください) → “Please give me water, and bread too.”
This noun + kudasai structure is one of the easiest ways to start speaking polite Japanese. Whether ordering food, buying something in a store, or asking for an object from a friend, it ensures your requests are clear, respectful, and natural. Mastering this pattern makes daily interactions in Japanese smooth and stress-free.
Common Everyday Examples of Kudasai
Using kudasai (ください) is a practical skill for anyone learning Japanese because it appears in many daily situations. From ordering food to asking for help, kudasai helps you make polite requests that are clear and natural.
1. At a restaurant:
- Mizu o kudasai (水をください) → “Please give me water.”
- Menu o misete kudasai (メニューを見せてください) → “Please show me the menu.”
2. Asking for help:
- Tetsudatte kudasai (手伝ってください) → “Please help me.”
- Chotto matte kudasai (ちょっと待ってください) → “Please wait a moment.”
3. In stores or shops:
- Kasa o kudasai (傘をください) → “Please give me an umbrella.”
- Kore o kudasai (これをください) → “I’ll take this, please.”
4. Everyday conversation:
- Yonde kudasai (読んでください) → “Please read.”
- Kiite kudasai (聞いてください) → “Please listen.”
These examples show that kudasai can be used with nouns to request objects and with verbs to request actions. It is polite, easy to use, and appropriate in most casual or semi-formal situations.
Key points to remember:
- Use the -te form of verbs before kudasai for actions.
- Use o + noun + kudasai for requesting objects.
- Keep your tone polite; even with kudasai, speaking loudly or sharply can sound rude.
By practicing these common examples, learners can confidently use kudasai in real-life scenarios without fear of sounding impolite or awkward. It’s one of the first expressions every beginner should master.
Kudasai vs Onegaishimasu
When learning Japanese, many beginners wonder about the difference between kudasai (ください) and onegaishimasu (お願いします). Both expressions are polite ways to make requests, but they are used in different contexts and convey slightly different levels of formality.
Kudasai is commonly used when asking someone to give you something or perform a specific action. It is polite but slightly direct, making it suitable for casual to semi-formal situations. For example:
- Mizu o kudasai (水をください) → “Please give me water.”
- Chotto matte kudasai (ちょっと待ってください) → “Please wait a moment.”
Onegaishimasu, on the other hand, is softer and more formal. It is often used for favors, services, or requests in business or professional settings. It conveys respect for the person you are asking, without sounding too direct. For example:
- Kyou no shigoto o onegaishimasu (今日の仕事をお願いします) → “I kindly ask you to handle today’s work.”
- Tanaka-san, oshiete onegaishimasu (田中さん、教えてお願いします) → “Tanaka-san, please teach me.”
In daily life, kudasai is more common for objects and simple actions, while onegaishimasu is preferred when asking for a favor, service, or something more abstract. Using onegaishimasu can make your requests sound more respectful and professional, whereas kudasai keeps things polite yet friendly.
Key takeaway: Use kudasai for everyday polite requests, especially with nouns or verbs, and onegaishimasu when you want to sound more formal or deferential. Understanding this distinction helps you communicate naturally in various social and professional situations in Japanese.
Kudasai vs Choudai vs Kure
In Japanese, there are several ways to make requests, and kudasai (ください) is just one of them. Two other expressions choudai (ちょうだい) and kure (くれ) are also used, but they differ in politeness, context, and nuance. Understanding these differences is essential to avoid sounding rude or awkward.
1. Kudasai (ください)
- Polite and safe for most situations.
- Can be used with verbs or nouns.
- Suitable for casual, semi-formal, and everyday interactions.
- Example: Mizu o kudasai (水をください) → “Please give me water.”
2. Choudai (ちょうだい)
- Informal and casual; often used among friends, family, or children.
- Cannot be used in formal or professional situations.
- Can feel friendly, cute, or even playful.
- Example: Aisu o choudai (アイスをちょうだい) → “Give me ice cream!”
3. Kure (くれ)
- Casual and masculine; commonly used by men or in close relationships.
- Can sound rough if used inappropriately.
- Typically used with verbs or nouns without the o particle.
- Example: Mizu kure (水くれ) → “Give me water!” (very casual or direct)
Key Points:
- Use kudasai in most polite, everyday situations.
- Use choudai with friends or informal settings.
- Use kure only in casual, close relationships, or when directness is acceptable.
By understanding the differences between kudasai, choudai, and kure, learners can choose the right expression based on social context, politeness level, and relationship, ensuring requests are both natural and culturally appropriate.
Is Kudasai Ever Rude?
While kudasai (ください) is generally considered polite, it can sound rude if used incorrectly. In Japanese, context, tone, and grammar play a huge role in determining whether a request is respectful or impolite.
1. Tone matters
Even with the correct grammar, saying kudasai in a loud, sharp, or demanding voice can make your request feel like a command. For example, shouting “Mizu o kudasai!” at a waiter may come across as rude, while a calm, polite tone communicates respect.
2. Incorrect verb forms
Using the dictionary form of a verb with kudasai is grammatically incorrect and can sound unnatural or abrupt. For example:
- ❌ Mizu kudasai → Incorrect
- ✅ Mizu o kudasai → Correct
3. Overuse in formal situations
In very formal or business contexts, relying only on kudasai can sound too direct. In these cases, onegaishimasu (お願いします) is preferred to show additional politeness and respect for hierarchy.
4. Casual situations
Among close friends or family, kudasai may sound overly stiff. In casual settings, expressions like choudai (ちょうだい) are more natural.
Key takeaway:
Kudasai is polite when used with the right grammar, tone, and context. Misusing it through wrong verb forms, shouting, or overuse in formal situations can unintentionally sound rude. By understanding these nuances, learners can make requests that are both natural and culturally appropriate, avoiding misunderstandings while speaking Japanese.
Common Mistakes Learners Make with Kudasai
Even though kudasai (ください) is simple to learn, many beginners make mistakes when using it. Understanding these common errors helps you speak more naturally and politely in Japanese.
1. Using the wrong verb form
One of the most frequent mistakes is attaching kudasai to a verb in its dictionary form instead of the -te form.
- ❌ Tetsudau kudasai → Incorrect
- ✅ Tetsudatte kudasai (手伝ってください) → Correct
2. Forgetting the particle “o” with nouns
When requesting objects, learners sometimes omit the particle o (を), which is required in most cases.
- ❌ Mizu kudasai → Incorrect
- ✅ Mizu o kudasai (水をください) → Correct
3. Using kudasai too casually
While kudasai is polite, it’s not always appropriate in formal or business situations. Overusing it instead of onegaishimasu (お願いします) can make your request sound slightly blunt.
4. Using kudasai with improper tone
Even with correct grammar, a harsh, loud, or impatient tone can make kudasai sound like a command. Always use a calm and respectful voice.
5. Overusing kudasai with close friends
Among friends or family, kudasai can feel stiff. Casual alternatives like choudai (ちょうだい) or dropping kudasai entirely are more natural.
Key takeaway:
By avoiding these common mistakes wrong verb form, missing particles, tone errors, or overuse you can use kudasai confidently and politely. Mastering these small details will make your Japanese requests sound natural, respectful, and culturally appropriate.
How Native Japanese Speakers Use Kudasai
Native Japanese speakers use kudasai (ください) in ways that may differ slightly from what textbooks teach. While learners often think of it as a direct translation of “please,” in real life, kudasai reflects both politeness and social context.
1. Everyday politeness
Natives use kudasai routinely when requesting items or actions, such as ordering food, asking for help, or requesting a favor in casual to semi-formal situations. For example:
- Mizu o kudasai (水をください) → “Please give me water.”
- Chotto matte kudasai (ちょっと待ってください) → “Please wait a moment.”
2. Tone and context matter
Japanese speakers pay attention to tone, volume, and body language. A calm voice and slight bow often accompany kudasai to convey respect. Simply using the word without context can sound abrupt or overly direct.
3. Combining with other expressions
In natural conversation, kudasai is sometimes paired with other words to soften or clarify the request. For instance, natives may say onegaishimasu after kudasai in more formal or service-oriented contexts.
4. Casual versus formal usage
Among friends, native speakers may replace kudasai with casual alternatives like choudai (ちょうだい) or even drop it entirely, relying on verb forms or context to make the request understood.
Key takeaway:
By observing how native speakers use kudasai, learners can see that the word is not just about grammar it’s about politeness, context, and nuance. Using it naturally involves not only the correct verb or noun structure but also the right tone and social awareness, making your Japanese sound authentic and respectful.
Cultural Context Behind Kudasai
Understanding kudasai (ください) isn’t just about grammar it’s also about Japanese culture. In Japan, politeness and respect are deeply embedded in daily communication. How you ask for something can reflect your awareness of social hierarchy, relationships, and etiquette, which is why kudasai is so important for learners.
In Japanese culture, requests are expected to be polite and indirect. Using kudasai turns a direct action into a respectful request, showing that you value the other person’s willingness to help. This aligns with the Japanese concept of “wa” (和), which emphasizes harmony in social interactions. A polite request maintains harmony and prevents embarrassment or conflict.
The word kudasai originates from kudasaru (下さる), a respectful verb for “giving,” which already implies consideration for the speaker. By using kudasai, you acknowledge the other person’s action as a kind favor, rather than demanding it.
Cultural nuance also affects tone and context. For example, raising your voice or sounding impatient while saying kudasai can be seen as rude, even if your grammar is correct. Likewise, overusing it in formal business settings can feel blunt; in such cases, onegaishimasu (お願いします) is preferred to convey deference.
Key takeaway:
Using kudasai correctly is not just a grammatical skill it’s a cultural skill. It demonstrates respect, maintains social harmony, and reflects an understanding of Japanese norms. Mastering this cultural context makes your Japanese requests sound polite, natural, and socially aware, helping you communicate confidently in daily life.
(FAQs)
When learning Japanese, many beginners have questions about kudasai (ください). Understanding common questions helps clarify its meaning, usage, and cultural nuances.
1. What does kudasai literally mean?
Literally, kudasai comes from the verb kudasaru (下さる), meaning “to give (to me) respectfully.” In daily use, it functions as a polite way to request an object or action, often translated as “please.”
2. Can kudasai be used with names?
No, it’s generally not used directly with people’s names. For example, saying Tanaka-san o kudasai would sound strange. Instead, use Tanaka-san, onegaishimasu or politely ask for help or action.
3. Is kudasai polite enough for business Japanese?
Kudasai is polite, but in formal or professional settings, onegaishimasu (お願いします) is preferred. It’s softer, more deferential, and shows respect for hierarchy.
4. Can kudasai be shortened?
In casual speech among friends, kudasai is sometimes dropped or replaced with choudai (ちょうだい), which is informal and friendly. However, in polite conversation, it’s best to use the full kudasai form.
5. Can kudasai be used for multiple requests at once?
Yes, you can chain multiple requests by using the -te form + kudasai pattern for verbs or repeating noun + o + kudasai for objects. Example:
- Tetsudatte, matte kudasai (手伝って、待ってください) → “Please help me and wait.”
By understanding these FAQs, learners can avoid common mistakes and confidently use kudasai in a variety of situations, making their Japanese polite, natural, and culturally appropriate.
Conclusion:
Mastering kudasai (ください) is essential for anyone learning Japanese because it allows you to make polite and natural requests in a variety of everyday situations. Whether you are asking for an object, requesting an action, or ordering food, kudasai ensures your speech is respectful without being overly formal.
To use kudasai correctly, remember these key points:
- Verb Requests: Attach kudasai to the -te form of a verb. For example, Tetsudatte kudasai (手伝ってください) → “Please help me.”
- Object Requests: Use noun + o + kudasai when asking for items. For example, Mizu o kudasai (水をください) → “Please give me water.”
- Tone and Context: Even with correct grammar, a harsh or loud tone can make requests sound rude. Speak calmly and politely.
- Formal Situations: In business or highly formal settings, consider onegaishimasu (お願いします) for extra politeness.
- Casual Settings: Among friends or family, casual alternatives like choudai (ちょうだい) are often more natural.
Understanding both the grammar and cultural context of kudasai helps you communicate effectively and avoid common mistakes. It is not only about saying “please” it is about showing respect, consideration, and social awareness, which are key elements of Japanese communication.
By practicing kudasai in different scenarios verbs, nouns, formal, and casual you can confidently use it in daily life, making your Japanese sound polite, natural, and culturally appropriate. Mastering this simple yet essential word is a big step toward speaking Japanese fluently and respectfully.
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