「〜させていただけませんか」- Requesting Permission
Explanation
〜させていただけませんか means "May I be allowed to...?" It is a very polite and humble expression, often used to request permission from superiors or elders to do something. This expression not only shows the speaker's politeness but also reflects respect for the other person's status.
Grammar Pattern
| Grammar Point | Connection | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Godan verb negative form + させていただけませんか | Godan verb negative form + させていただけませんか | Requests permission to do something, used with Godan verbs. |
| Ichidan verb negative form + させていただけませんか | Ichidan verb negative form + させていただけませんか | Requests permission to do something, used with Ichidan verbs. |
| する → させていただけませんか | する → させていただけませんか | Requests permission to do something, used with サ変 verbs. |
| Requests permission to do something, used with カ変 verbs. |
Basic Usage
〜させていただけませんか is used to request permission, typically in formal situations or when speaking to elders, superiors, or others who require a high level of respect. For example:
申込み の報告 をさせていただけませんか。- Moushikomi no houkoku o sasete itadakemasen ka.
- May I be allowed to report on the application?
Deep Dive
This expression consists of several important parts:
- Causative form of the verb: Indicates the request for permission to do something.
- いただけませんか: Adds a polite and humble tone to the request.
When using this expression, the verb must be conjugated into its causative form (for detailed rules on causative conjugation, refer to verb conjugation rules), followed by "いただけませんか." This expression is extremely formal and is suitable for business settings or other situations requiring high levels of politeness.
Examples
私 も参加 させていただけませんか。- Watashi mo sanka sasete itadakemasen ka.
- May I also be allowed to participate?
詳細 について説明 させていただけませんか。- Shousai ni tsuite setsumei sasete itadakemasen ka.
- May I be allowed to explain the details?
Summary
〜させていただけませんか is a respectful expression used in formal situations, demonstrating respect and gratitude toward the listener. Through the above explanation, a deeper understanding of this expression is achieved, enhancing politeness and appropriateness in Japanese communication.