GRAMMAR DETAIL
てもらえませんか
Politely asks whether the speaker can receive the benefit of an action from the listener.
Examples
この重い箱を二階まで運んでもらえませんか。
Could you carry this heavy box up to the second floor?
Words used
この書類に住所を書いてもらえませんか。
Could you write your address on this document?
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: Add
もらえませんか, the polite negative question form of potentialもらえる, to a verb'sてform. - Basic usage:
この重い箱を二階まで運んでもらえませんか。asks to receive help carrying the box.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- A request through the potential form
書いてもらえませんかasks the listener to write, rather than asking about the speaker's ability to write.書けませんかasks more directly about ability or circumstances and can also be a request in context.
- Receiving help and receiving permission
説明してもらえませんかasks the listener to explain, while説明させてもらえませんかasks permission for the speaker to explain. Addingさせてchanges who performs the action.