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Japanese grammar · ≈ JLPT N4 · Beginner 3

お〜ください／ご〜くださいo ~ kudasai / go ~ kudasai

formal polite instruction

Use common 「お〜ください／ご〜ください」 forms for formal instructions or requests, such as when serving visitors.

Start the interactive lessonIllustrated cards, audio and speaking practice

How it works

  1. Who fills in the name? The visitor. In the picture, the receptionist politely asks the other person to act.

    Who fills in the name? The visitor. In the picture, the receptionist politely asks the other person to act.

  2. This is a polite instruction or request, more formal than 「〜てください」. The other person performs the action.

    This is a polite instruction or request, more formal than 「〜てください」. The other person performs the action.

  3. Look at the top half of the picture: remove 「ます」 from 「聞きます」 to form 「お聞きください」.

    Look at the top half of the picture: remove 「ます」 from 「聞きます」 to form 「お聞きください」.

  4. 「記入」 is an action noun. Add 「ご…ください」 to form 「ご記入ください」.

    「記入」 is an action noun. Add 「ご…ください」 to form 「ご記入ください」.

  5. It is common when serving visitors or making announcements. As in the dialogue, it can also give instructions formally, step by step.

    It is common when serving visitors or making announcements. As in the dialogue, it can also give instructions formally, step by step.

  6. This pattern does not work with every verb. 「お」 and 「ご」 are not freely interchangeable, so learn common combinations first.

    This pattern does not work with every verb. 「お」 and 「ご」 are not freely interchangeable, so learn common combinations first.

  7. In the example, 「お名前」 is a polite way to refer to the name. 「ご記入ください」 is the part that requests the action.

    In the example, 「お名前」 is a polite way to refer to the name. 「ご記入ください」 is the part that requests the action.

  8. The example adds 「ご…ください」 to 「記入」 without 「する」. Do not say 「ご記入するください」.

    The example adds 「ご…ください」 to 「記入」 without 「する」. Do not say 「ご記入するください」.

Example sentences

  • お名前おなまえonamaeをoご記入ごきにゅうgokinyuu下さいくださいkudasai

    Please write your name.

In a conversation

  • A
    すみません、すみませんレジれじのやり方やりかたがわからないんですが。が

    A: Excuse me, I'm not sure how to use the register.

  • B
    そうですか。かでは、わ

Check yourself

  1. Level 1 · Recognise

    Which sentence is correct?

  2. Level 1 · Recognise

    Listen and choose the meaning

  3. Level 2 · Build

    Put the words in order

    If you're in a hurry, please call me right away.

  4. Level 3 · Use

    What goes in the blank?

    お名前を 

    Please write your name.

More grammar in this theme

  • お〜ください／ご〜くださいformal polite instruction

Keep practising

Test your Japanese vocabulary12 adaptive questions, freeCheck your pronunciationRead aloud and get a scorePractise verb forms10-question conjugation quizSee the whole courseGrammar, vocabulary and quizzes by theme
まず
お客様おきゃくさま
に
お名前おなまえ
を
お聞きおきき
ください。ください

B: I see. Then, first please ask for the customer's name.

  • A
    はい、はいわかりました。わかりましたそれから？から

    A: OK, I understand. And then?

  • B
    次つぎに、に金額きんがくを伝えつたえて、てお支払いおしはらい方法ほうほうを伺っうかがってください。ください

    B: Next, tell them the total amount and ask how they'd like to pay.

  • A
    ありがとうございます。ございますやってみます。みます

    A: Thank you. I'll give it a try.

    • 〜ことになっていますestablished rule or convention
    〜ように、〜action toward a desired result
    〜ようにしてくださいgentle request to make sure
    〜そうです（様態）looks about to happen
    〜ておきますleave in a state
    〜てしまいましたcompletely finished
    〜ことになっていますsettled plan or assignment
    Previous〜ようにしてください
    Next〜そうです（様態）