How to Make Requests in Japanese

Making requests and commands in Japanese is essential for smooth communication, whether you're asking for help, ordering food, or giving directions. Unlike English, Japanese uses different grammar structures and levels of politeness depending on the context and the relationship between speakers. Understanding how to use polite, casual, and imperative forms correctly shows respect and helps avoid misunderstandings. From simple expressions like “ください” (please give me) to more complex structures like “〜てもいいですか” (may I ~?), mastering requests and commands is a key step toward fluency. This guide will help you confidently use these expressions in everyday Japanese conversations.

How to Make Requests and Commands  in Japanese

In Japanese, requests and commands vary by politeness and context. Common forms include 「〜てください」 for polite requests, 「〜ないでください」 to ask someone not to do something, and imperative forms like 「行け」 for direct commands. Softer suggestions use 「〜ましょう」 or 「〜ませんか」 for a more inviting tone.

1. Making Polite Requests with ～てください

The most standard and polite way to ask someone to do something is using ～てください. It is widely used in both formal and casual settings when making direct but respectful requests.

Structure

[Verb (て-form)] ください

Examples

ドアを開けてください。
 (Doa o akete kudasai.) → Please open the door.

 静かにしてください。
 (Shizuka ni shite kudasai.) → Please be quiet.

 もう一度言ってください。
 (Mou ichido itte kudasai.) → Please say it again.

 Usage Tip:

• ～てください is a command even though it is polite. It is appropriate for situations like instructions at work, classrooms, or speaking to strangers.
• Adding すみませんが (sumimasen ga, “Excuse me, but…”) before a request makes it even politer.

2. Asking for Permission with ～てもいいですか？

When you want to ask if you are allowed to do something, use ～てもいいですか？

Structure

[Verb (て-form)] もいいですか？

Examples

 ここで食べてもいいですか？
 (Koko de tabete mo ii desu ka?) → Is it okay if I eat here?

 写真を撮ってもいいですか？
 (Shashin o totte mo ii desu ka?) → May I take a picture?

 少し休んでもいいですか？
 (Sukoshi yasunde mo ii desu ka?) → May I take a short break?

Usage Tip:

• This is a soft and polite way to ask for permission.
• A more formal version is ～てもよろしいですか？, often used in business settings.

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3. Soft Commands with ～なさい

The ～なさい form is used for gentle but firm commands. It is often used by teachers, parents, and superiors when instructing someone below them.

Structure

[Verb (stem)] なさい
(The verb stem is the dictionary form without る for る-verbs, and the ます-stem for う-verbs.)

Examples

 宿題をしなさい。
 (Shukudai o shinasai.) → Do your homework.

早く起きなさい。
 (Hayaku okinasai.) → Wake up early.

 この漢字を覚えなさい。
 (Kono kanji o oboenai.) → Memorize this kanji.

 Usage Tip:

• ～なさい sounds strong, so it should not be used towards equals or superiors.
• It is common in school settings and parent-child conversations.

4. Giving Strong Commands with Imperative Forms

Japanese has imperative verb forms used for direct and strong commands. These are often used in:
✅ Emergency situations
✅ Military and sports contexts
✅ Orders from a superior to a subordinate
✅ Casual conversations between close friends (sometimes in a rough way)

Structure

Examples

 急げ！ (Isoge!) → Hurry up!
やめろ！ (Yamero!) → Stop it!
来い！ (Koi!) → Come here!
行け！ (Ike!) → Go!

Usage Tip:

• These forms are very strong and can sound rude if used improperly.
• They are common in manga, anime, and military settings.
• They are not recommended in formal situations.

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5. Negative Commands with ～な

To prohibit someone from doing something in an informal or strong way, use ～な.

Structure

[Verb (dictionary form)] な

Examples

うそをつくな！
 (Uso o tsuku na!) → Don’t lie!

 そこに入るな！
 (Soko ni hairu na!) → Don’t enter there!

 ふざけるな！
 (Fuzakeru na!) → Don’t mess around!

 Usage Tip:

• This form is very direct and often sounds harsh.
• It is commonly used in warnings, signs, and strict commands.

6. Polite and Indirect Requests

Japanese often prefers indirect requests for politeness. Here are two alternatives:

(1) ～ていただけますか？ (Most Polite Request)

[Verb (て-form)] いただけますか？
 説明していただけますか？ → Could you please explain?

(2) ～てくれませんか？ (Casual Polite Request)

[Verb (て-form)] くれませんか？
 ちょっと手伝ってくれませんか？ → Could you help me a little?

 Usage Tip:

• いただけますか？ is best for business and formal settings.
• くれませんか？ is good for casual politeness.

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7. Comparison of Different Forms

FAQs

1. Is ～てください always polite?

Yes, but it is still a command. To make it softer, use ～ていただけますか？

2. Can I use ～なさい with my friends?

No, it sounds like an order from a superior. Use ～てくれる？ for friends.

3. Is the imperative form rude?

Yes, unless used in emergencies, military, or rough speech between close friends.

4. What’s the difference between ～てください and ～てもいいですか？

• ～てください: "Please do this." (Command)
• ～てもいいですか？: "Is it okay if I do this?" (Permission)

Final Thoughts

Mastering how to make requests and commands in Japanese is essential for sounding natural and respectful. Choosing the right structure shows both linguistic skill and cultural understanding.

Try using these forms in daily practice to build fluency and confidence.

Which of these forms do you use most often? Practice them in real conversations!