〜てくださる

〜てくださる is an honorific expression meaning do (for me, honorific). 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 respectfully describing a favor someone of higher status did for you
• When using keigo to express gratitude for someone's kind action

When NOT to Use#

• When a different nuance than "do (for me, honorific)" is intended — check the related patterns below

Example Sentences#

• 待っていてくださって、ありがとうございます。 — Thank you for waiting for me.
• パソコンの使い方を教えてくださって感謝しています。 — I'm grateful that you taught me how to use the computer.
• パーティーに招待してくださって、ありがとうございます。 — Thank you for inviting me to the party.

Practice#

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

Common Mistakes#

1. Direct translation from English — The concept expressed by 〜てくださる 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#

• 〜てください (please do ~) — Next step
• 〜てくれる (do (for me)) — Next step