「～ていただけませんか」- Polite Request Expression

Explanation

In Japanese, expressing requests is a crucial part of communication, especially when speaking to superiors or elders. A common and polite way to make a request is by using the structure 「～ていただけませんか」. This phrase translates to "Could you please...?" and is used to ask someone to do something for you in a humble and respectful manner.

Grammar Pattern

Grammar Point	Connection	Explanation
Verb て-form + いただけませんか	Verb て-form + いただけませんか	Used to politely request someone to do something, conveying humility and respect.

Examples

• このこのの意味いみを教おしえていただけませんか。
• Kono no imi o oshiete itadakemasen ka.
• Could you please tell me the meaning of this?
  

Usage and Explanation

「～ていただけませんか」 is used to make a polite and respectful request. It is particularly suitable when speaking to superiors, elders, or people you are not familiar with. Compared to direct commands or simple requests, this expression is more courteous and humble.

Basic Usage

• Requesting Help: Used to ask for assistance or a favor.

  • そのその、見みせていただけませんか。
  • Sono, misete itadakemasen ka.
  • Could you please show me that?
    

• Requesting Guidance: Used to ask for advice or guidance.

  • 相談そうだんに乗のっていただけませんか。
  • Soudan ni notte itadakemasen ka.
  • Could you please give me some advice?
    

• Requesting Information: Used to ask for information or answers.

  • 名前なまえを教おしえていただけませんか。
  • Namae o oshiete itadakemasen ka.
  • Could you please tell me your name?
    

More Polite Expressions

An even more polite and formal version of 「～ていただけませんか」 is 「～ていただけないでしょうか」:

• 手元てもとに届とどいたのは不良品ふりょうひんだったので交換こうかんしていただけないでしょうか。
• Temoto ni todoita no wa furyouhin datta node koukan shite itadakenai deshou ka.
• Since I received a defective product, could you please exchange it?
  

Deep Dive

「～ていただけませんか」 is widely used in various contexts. It is not only suitable for everyday requests but also appropriate in professional and formal settings. This expression conveys the speaker's humility and respect for the listener.

• While the structure may seem complex, it is commonly used in real-life conversations. The core of this expression lies in the verb "いただく," which means "to receive" or "to accept," thus giving the phrase a polite and requesting tone.

Comparisons and Differences

「～てください」 vs. 「～ていただけませんか」

• 「～てください」 is a direct way to make a request, suitable for peers or juniors, while 「～ていただけませんか」 is more respectful and polite, suitable for superiors or elders.
  • ドアどあを開あけてください。
  • Doa o akete kudasai.
  • Please open the door.
    
  • ドアどあを開あけていただけませんか。
  • Doa o akete itadakemasen ka.
  • Could you please open the door?
    

「～てもらえますか」 vs. 「～ていただけませんか」

• 「～てもらえますか」 is another way to make a request, but its level of politeness is between 「～てください」 and 「～ていただけませんか」, making it suitable for friends or colleagues.
  • ペンぺんを貸かしてもらえますか。
  • Pen o kashite moraemasu ka.
  • Could you lend me a pen?
    
  • ペンぺんを貸かしていただけませんか。
  • Pen o kashite itadakemasen ka.
  • Could you please lend me a pen?
    

Real-Life Scenarios

• At the Library

  • A: このこのを借かりたいんですが、手続てつづきを教おしえていただけませんか？
  • B: もちろんです。こちらへどうぞ。
  • A: Kono o karitai n desu ga, tetsuzuki o oshiete itadakemasen ka?
  • B: Mochiron desu. Kochira e douzo.
  • A: I’d like to borrow this book. Could you please tell me the procedure?
  • B: Of course. This way, please.
    

• At a Restaurant

  • A: メニューめにゅーを見みせていただけませんか？
  • B: はい、ただいまお持ちします。
  • A: Menyuu o misete itadakemasen ka?
  • B: Hai, tadaima omochi shimasu.
  • A: Could you please show me the menu?
  • B: Yes, I’ll bring it right away.
    

Summary

「～ていただけませんか」 is an essential polite request expression in Japanese. By using this structure, you can convey respect and humility, especially when speaking to superiors, elders, or people you are not familiar with. Mastering and using this expression appropriately will enhance the politeness and appropriateness of your Japanese communication.