てくださいPolite request: please do
てください asks the listener politely but directly to perform an action. It is common for everyday requests, directions, and instructions.
What the pattern asks for
The verb before ください names the action you want the listener to perform. The listener or addressed group is normally understood, so Japanese usually does not state an explicit subject.
An ordinary polite request
Directions and instructions
てください is especially natural when a teacher, sign, announcement, or staff member tells people what action to take.
Doing something versus not doing it
Use てください to request an action. To request that the listener avoid an action, use the negative request pattern ないでください instead.
ここでは写真を撮らないでください。
Please do not take photos here.
AnalyzeThis is the negative counterpart, not the positive request pattern taught on this page.
A request, not just a description
At the end of a sentence, the complete pattern てください directly addresses the listener as a request. Do not interpret it merely as a statement that someone performs an action for the speaker.
More examples
ここに名前を書いてください。
Please write your name here.
Analyze次のページを開いてください。
Please open the next page.
Analyze入口でチケットを見せてください。
Please show your ticket at the entrance.
Analyze少し待ってください。
Please wait a moment.
Analyzeこの薬は食後に飲んでください。
Please take this medicine after meals.
Analyze質問がある人は、手を上げてください。
If you have a question, please raise your hand.
Analyze