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ください. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
ください, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
ください in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
ください you have here. The definition of the word
ください will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
ください, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
Japanese
Etymology
Conjugation of くださる, humble form of くれる.
Verb
ください • (kudasai)
- 下さい: (polite) Imperative of 下さる
- please give me
- 葉書を５枚ください。
- Hagaki o gomai kudasai.
- Please give me five postcards.
- (expressing a request) please do something for me
- 現地に着いたら電話して下さい。
- Genchi ni tsuitara denwa shite kudasai.
- Please call me when you get there.
- 無理をしないでください。
- Muri o shinaide kudasai.
- Please don't push yourself too hard.
Usage notes
- Nowadays, except in very formal or traditional contexts, this term is normally written in kana. Outside of such contexts, the spelling 「下さい」 can emphasize the meaning of "give" associated with 「下」, though this is rare.
- 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-).
- ちょっとお待ちください。
- Chotto o-machi kudasai.
- Please wait a little. (Here 待ち is the continuative form of 待つ.)
- これをご覧ください。
- Kore o go-ran kudasai.
- Please have a look at this.
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)
- (Kagoshima) たもし (tamoshi)