Introduction

The grammar pattern te form + kudasai is one of the most important structures you must master for JLPT N4. This pattern is used to make polite requests in Japanese. It appears very frequently in daily conversation, classroom language, public signs, instructions, listening sections, and reading passages of the JLPT N4 exam. Although many learners first see this grammar at N5 level, at N4 you are expected to understand it instantly without translating each word.

This article explains the grammar clearly and simply for Japanese learners. All Japanese examples are written only in hiragana and katakana, with no kanji.

Grammar Structure Explained

verb in te form + kudasai

This grammar is used when the speaker wants another person to do an action. The verb must always be changed into te form before adding kudasai. You cannot use dictionary form or masu form directly with kudasai.

Meaning in English

This pattern means "please do something". It is a polite and natural way to request an action. It is softer than a command and suitable for everyday situations.

When to Use This Grammar

You use te form + kudasai in the following situations. When you want to politely ask someone to do something. When giving instructions in a gentle way. When speaking to teachers, coworkers, shop staff, or strangers. When reading or listening to instructions and notices.

This pattern is commonly used in classrooms, offices, shops, hospitals, and public places.

Examples

1. matte kudasai。 please wait.

2. chotto matte kudasai。 please wait for a moment.

3. koko ni suwatte kudasai。 please sit here.

4. yukkuri hanashite kudasai。 please speak slowly.

5. kochira o mite kudasai。 please look here.

6. namae o kaite kudasai。 please write your name.

7. shashin o totte kudasai。 please take a photo.

Important Grammar Notes

The verb must always be in te form. Correct usage example: mite kudasai Incorrect usage example: miru kudasai

This grammar is polite but not very formal. It should not be used for very high-level superiors in formal business situations. For JLPT N4, understanding this polite daily-use level is enough.

You cannot use this grammar to talk about your own actions. It is only used to request actions from another person.

Common Mistakes by Learners

Many learners forget to change the verb into te form. Some learners use dictionary form before kudasai, which is incorrect. Some learners try to use this grammar for their own actions, which is not possible. Forgetting particles such as ni or o is another common mistake.

JLPT N4 Exam Point

In JLPT N4, te form + kudasai often appears in listening questions where someone gives instructions or asks for help. It also appears in reading questions such as notices, signs, emails, and messages. This grammar is often tested together with similar patterns like te form + mo ii desu and te form + wa ikemasen, so learners must understand the difference clearly.

Short Practice

Change the verb into te form and make a polite request. Example: kiku → kiite kudasai Practice verbs: yomu kaku iku taberu

Summary

Te form + kudasai is a core JLPT N4 grammar pattern used to make polite requests. The verb must always be in te form. This grammar is extremely common in the JLPT N4 exam, especially in listening and reading sections. Mastering this pattern will strongly improve your understanding of Japanese instructions and daily conversation.

JLPT N4 Grammar te form kudasai Explained | Polite Requests in Japanese