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The て-form of a verb is a fundamental structure in Japanese for making casual requests, often translated as "please do [something]" in English. Simple and direct, it is widely used in informal conversations with friends, family, or peers.
Unlike the more polite てください, which explicitly conveys respect, the て-form relies on tone and context to adjust its nuance. A rising tone can soften the request, making it sound more polite or playful, while a neutral tone may feel direct or even demanding. This flexibility makes the て-form a key tool in casual speech, allowing speakers to express themselves concisely and naturally.
While ideal for informal settings, the て-form should be avoided in formal or professional interactions, where more polite alternatives like てください are expected. Understanding when and how to use the て-form is essential for navigating casual Japanese communication effectively.
Structure
Verb［て］+ (optional softener like ね or よ)
JLPT Level
N5
Key uses
1. Making direct requests in casual settings
The て form is commonly used to make straightforward, casual requests among friends or close acquaintances. It’s a concise and natural way to ask someone to do something.
[ Additional Insight ]
This use of the て form is unadorned and informal, so it works best in familiar relationships or contexts where politeness isn’t strictly required. It’s ideal for everyday exchanges like asking for small favors or help.
2. Softening requests with particles like ね or よ
Adding particles such as ね or よ to the て form softens the tone or adds a sense of encouragement, making the request feel more friendly or persuasive.
[ Additional Insight ]
These particles adjust the nuance of the request, with ね adding friendliness and ねえ expressing surprise or interest. Meanwhile, よ can make the request sound more emphatic or convincing, depending on the context and intonation.
3. Giving casual instructions or directions
The て form can be used to give simple instructions in informal settings, often during casual conversations or when explaining how to do something.
[ Additional Insight ]
In this usage, the て form effectively breaks down steps in a sequence. While concise and informal, it can still sound polite when paired with a friendly tone or supportive gestures.
4. Encouraging someone to act immediately
The て form is useful for prompting immediate action, such as when urgency or spontaneity is required in casual contexts.
[ Additional Insight ]
This use often conveys a sense of urgency or importance, but the tone of delivery matters. A cheerful tone can make it sound encouraging, while a firm tone can make it feel like a command. Adjusting your delivery ensures the message is well-received.
5. Combining with other phrases for indirect requests
When combined with expressions like ～くれる or ～もらえる, the て form becomes a polite but still casual way to make requests.
[ Additional Insight ]
This combination adds a layer of softness to the request, making it feel less direct and more considerate. It’s especially helpful when you want to maintain a casual tone without coming across as too abrupt or demanding.
Comparisons
1. てください
The て-form alone is casual, suitable for close friends, family, or informal situations, while てください is used for polite or formal requests. Use てください when showing respect or addressing someone in a formal setting.
2. Imperative Form
The imperative form is forceful and commanding, often sounding demanding, while the て-form is friendlier and more inviting. Use the imperative form in urgent situations or with a clear authority, and the て-form for a more gentle request.
3. なさい (soft command)
なさい is a softer command than the imperative form, often used by parents, teachers, or people in authority to give instructions in a firm but polite way. The て-form is more casual and less authoritative.
Examples
020A
020B
020C
020D
020E
020F
020G
020H