GRAMMAR DETAIL
てくれませんか
Politely asks whether the listener would do something for the speaker or someone close to the speaker.
Examples
駅までの近道を教えてくれませんか。
Could you show me a shortcut to the station?
Words used
もう一度ゆっくり話してくれませんか。
Could you speak slowly one more time?
Words used
この荷物を入口まで運んでくれませんか。
Could you carry this luggage to the entrance?
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: Add
くれませんかto a verb'sてform to ask the listener to do something for the speaker or the speaker's side. - Basic usage:
駅までの近道を教えてくれませんか。asks to be shown a shortcut to the station.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- The function of the negative question
教えてくれませんかis a negative question asking for help, not a prohibition on giving information.教えないでくださいasks someone not to tell.
- Action and benefit viewpoints
手伝ってくれませんかfocuses on the listener helping, while手伝ってもらえませんかfocuses on whether the speaker can receive that help.手伝っていただけませんかis also used when greater deference is appropriate.