Japanese word

くださる

Pronunciation

Romajikudasaru

Meaning

  • verbgive

Example

先生が私に本をくださいました。sen sei ga watashi ni hon o ku da sa i ma shi ta

The teacher gave me a book.

Illustration for くださる (give)

More examples

受付の方が道を教えてくださいました。uke tsuke no hō ga michi o oshi e te ku da sa i ma shi ta

The receptionist told me how to get there.

Core concept

Centers on a respected person directing a gift toward the speaker's side.

Common phrases

  • メニューをくださいme nyū o ku da sa i

    Please give me the menu

  • ゆっくり話してくださいyu kku ri hana shi te ku da sa i

    Please speak slowly

  • その本をくださいso no hon o ku da sa i

    Please give me that book

Similar words

くれるkureru: A person gives something to the speaker or the speaker's group in ordinary, non-honorific language.
あげるageru: A person gives something to another person from the giver's point of view.

Definition in Japanese

相手が話し手や話し手側の者に物を与えることを、相手を高めていう。ai te ga hana shi te ya hana shi te gawa no mono ni mono o ata e ru ko to o ai te o taka me te i u

Word origin

下さる (kudasaru, "give") is a native Japanese honorific verb related to 下す (kudasu, "send down"), whose older sense suggests giving from a higher position.

Usage tips

  • In everyday requests, ください (kudasai) is used when asking someone respectfully to give an object or perform an action.

Word lists with this word