〜てください

〜てください is a て-form extension that expresses please do ~. The て-form is one of the most productive patterns in Japanese — by combining it with various helper verbs and expressions, you can express a wide range of meanings from ongoing actions to requests to sequential events.

This is a foundational pattern that you will use from day one of your Japanese studies.

When to Use#

• Polite requests: ここに座ってください (Please sit here)
• Giving directions: 右に曲がってください (Please turn right)
• Asking someone to wait: ちょっと待ってください (Please wait a moment)

When NOT to Use#

• In very formal writing where a more sophisticated expression would be expected

Example Sentences#

• 休んでください。 — Please rest.
• 頑張ってください。 — Good luck!
• 窓を閉めてください。 — Please close the window.

Practice#

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

Common Mistakes#

1. Incorrect て-form conjugation — Make sure you correctly form the て-form of the preceding verb before attaching this pattern. Group 1 verbs have sound changes (く→いて, ぐ→いで, す→して, etc.).

Related Patterns#

• 〜てある (is in a state of (done)) — Foundation
• 〜て (te-form (connecting)) — Next step
• 〜てくださる (do (for me, honorific)) — Next step