Meaning
This pattern combines the causative form of a verb (させる) with the benefactive expressions てもらう/てくれる to show that you have received permission from someone to do an action. The more polite versions using ていただく/てくださる express gratitude and respect toward the other person. Use this pattern when asking for or describing permission granted by someone else.
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| 动词使役形 | てもらう／てくれる |
| 动词使役形 | ていただく／てくださる |
Examples
-
両親に何度もお願いして、やっと留学に行かせてもらいました。
I asked my parents many times and finally got permission to study abroad. -
時間になったので、会議を始めさせていただきます。
Since it's time, let me begin the meeting. -
昨日から風邪がひどいので、課長にお願いして、休ませていただきました。
Since I had a bad cold from yesterday, I asked my manager and was given permission to take the day off.
Summary
- Formed by: causative verb form + てもらう/てくれる (or ていただく/てくださる for more polite speech)
- Use negative questions like させてもらえませんか or させてくださいませんか to request permission politely
- The ていただく/てくださいませんか versions are more formal and respectful than negative question forms