「お/ご～願う」- Polite Request Structure

Explanation

「お/ご～願う」 is a grammatical structure used to make polite requests, essentially meaning "Would you please...?" 「お」 is typically used with native Japanese words, while 「ご」 is used with Sino-Japanese words. This expression is particularly common in formal settings, reflecting respect for the listener.

Grammar Pattern

Grammar Point	Connection	Explanation
お/ご + Verb masu-stem + 願う	Verb masu-stem + 願う	Used to request someone to do something, typically in formal situations.
お/ご + Noun-based verb stem + 願う	Noun-based verb stem + 願う	Used to request someone to do something, typically in formal situations.

Basic Usage

• Verb masu-stem + 願う

  • おお使つかい願ねがえませんか。
  • O-tsukai negaiemasen ka.
  • Would you please use this?
    

• Noun-based verb stem + 願う

  • ごご協力きょうりょく願ねがえませんか。
  • Go-kyouryoku negaiemasen ka.
  • Would you please cooperate?
    

Examples

• このこの件けんを山田やまださんにおお伝つたえ願ねがえませんか。
• Kono ken o Yamada-san ni o-tsutae negaiemasen ka.
• Would you please inform Mr. Yamada about this matter?
  

• おお手伝てつだい願ねがえませんか。
• O-tetsudai negaiemasen ka.
• Would you please help?
  

Deep Dive

「お/ご～願う」 is a highly polite form of request, often used in formal settings or when speaking to someone you are not familiar with. It is not just a request but also a way to show respect and politeness toward the listener.

Real-Life Scenarios

Here’s an example conversation to illustrate its use:

• A: Sumimasen, kono shiryou o kopii shite itadakemasu ka?
• B: Hai, おお手伝てつだい願ねがえますか？
• A: Mochiron desu. Arigatou gozaimasu.
• A: Excuse me, could you make a copy of this document?
• B: Yes, would you please help?
• A: Of course. Thank you very much.
  

These examples demonstrate how 「お/ご～願う」 is used in different contexts, helping to express politeness and requests effectively.

Summary

「お/ご～願う」 is one of the essential polite expressions in Japanese. Understanding its basic usage and real-life applications will help you communicate effectively in both formal and informal settings.