Meaning
This pattern is used to make polite requests in formal situations, particularly when addressing superiors, elders, or clients. It combines the te-form of a verb with いただける (a respectful version of もらう meaning 'to receive') and the negative question form ませんか. This makes it significantly more polite and deferential than the standard ~てください form.
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| 动词て形 | 動詞（て形）＋いただけませんか |
Examples
-
社長、サインをして いただけませんか。
President, would you be willing to sign this? -
高橋先生、この漢字の 読み方を 教えて いただけませんか。
Professor Takahashi, could you please teach me how to read this kanji character? -
机の 上を 片付けて いただけませんか。
Would you mind tidying up the desk for me?
Summary
- Used for polite requests to superiors, elders, or in formal business situations
- More respectful than ~てください; shows deference and consideration for the other person
- Formation: verb (te-form) + いただけませんか