〜ていただける

〜ていただける is an honorific expression meaning could you (humble request). Polite and honorific language (敬語) is essential in Japanese for showing respect in formal, business, and social situations. Using the correct level of formality demonstrates cultural awareness and social skill.

This is an upper-intermediate pattern common in natural conversation and media like news, novels, and dramas.

When to Use#

• When making a very polite request to someone of higher status
• When humbly asking for a favor in formal or business settings

When NOT to Use#

• When a different nuance than "could you (humble request)" is intended — check the related patterns below

Example Sentences#

• ノートを貸していただけると助かります。 — I'd appreciate it if you could lend me your notes.

Practice#

Try reading these sentences aloud, then check the translation and vocabulary:

Common Mistakes#

1. Using 〜ていただける interchangeably with 〜ていただく — These patterns are similar but not identical. 〜ていただく (have (humble) someone do) may be preferred in different contexts or registers.
2. Direct translation from English — The concept expressed by 〜ていただける may not map one-to-one with its English translation. Focus on understanding the Japanese usage through example sentences rather than relying on the English gloss.

Related Patterns#

• 〜ていただく (have (humble) someone do) — Similar