Request

てください

It is a polite request that is translated as “please do”. See Conjugation Basics (“command”). In casual speech, can be shortened to て.

Example

消けししゴムを貸かして。 Lend me your eraser.

てもいい

V-て

い-Adj い くて

な-Adj + で

N + で

+ もいい

Means “is it alright if?”, “may I?“.

Example

ここに座すわてもいいですか。 May I sit here?

A more polite way is ても構わない.

ないでください

Means “please don’t”. It is a polite request. Removing the ください makes it more casual. Formed by a verb in the negative form (ない) with the で particle.

Example

冷蔵庫れいぞうこのデザートは食べないでください。 Please do not eat the dessert from the fridge.

なさい

This form is used when commanding an action. It is used with verbs by removing the ます and adding なさい. In casual conversation, it can be shortened to な.

Example

質しつ問もんを答こたえなさい。 Answer the question.

ように言う

It means “to tell”, “to request”, “to order”. It is form by added ように言いう to a verb. The verb 頼たのむ can be used for requests, while 命めいじる can be used for order. The verb 言いう can tell the three meanings depending on the tone.

Example

子供こどもにお菓か子しを食べないように言った。 I told the kids to not eat candies.