「お／ご〜ください」- Polite Request Form
Explanation
In Japanese, お（お）／ご（ご）〜ください is a commonly used polite expression to request someone to do something. It not only conveys the request but also shows respect to the listener. This expression is highly practical in both daily life and business settings.
Grammar Pattern
| Grammar Point | Connection | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| お／ご + Verb Masu-stem + ください | お + Native Japanese Verb Masu-stem / ご + Sino-Japanese Verb Masu-stem | お is used with native Japanese verbs, while ご is used with Sino-Japanese verbs (verbs derived from Chinese). |
Examples
皆 さん、どうぞ お座 りください。- Mina-san, douzo o-suwari kudasai.
- Everyone, please take a seat.
- ご
確認 ください。 - Go-kakunin kudasai.
- Please confirm.
今 しばらく お待 ちください。- Ima shibaraku o-machi kudasai.
- Please wait for a moment.
詳細 はメールを ご確認 ください。- Shousai wa meeru o go-kakunin kudasai.
- Please check the details in the email.
Usage Notes
The use of お／ご〜ください follows these principles:
- Verb Masu-stem: The verb must be in its masu-stem form when connecting.
- Polite Expression: This is a polite way to make a request, showing respect to the listener.
- Verb Selection: Generally, お is used with native Japanese verbs, and ご is used with Sino-Japanese verbs, though there are some exceptions.
Deep Dive
The expression お／ご〜ください reflects the respect and etiquette deeply rooted in Japanese culture. This structure is not only used in daily requests but also widely applied in business settings to maintain a polite atmosphere. The distinction between お and ご lies in their usage: お is typically used with native Japanese words, while ご is used with borrowed words (especially those of Chinese origin). Although this rule applies in most cases, there are some exceptions in specific expressions.
Real-Life Scenarios
- In a business meeting, asking a colleague to reconfirm a document: ご
確認 ください. - At a restaurant, asking a waiter to take your order: お
選 びください. - At school, asking a classmate to report their homework: お
知らせ ください.
Summary
お／ご〜ください is an important polite expression in Japanese, widely used to request someone to do something. By using this expression correctly, you can make your requests more polite and effectively convey respect to the listener.