Knowing how to ask someone to do something and when to do it is a basic but powerful part of speaking Japanese. Whether you want to politely say “Please clean your room” or “Have it done by Friday,” this lesson covers two essential grammar patterns: ～てください and までに.
～てください / までに
Please do (something) / By (a certain time)
Usage Pattern
- [Verb in て-form] + ください
-
[Time expression] + までに + [Verb in て-form] + ください
Details
JLPT Level: N5
How to Use It
Use ～てください to make a polite but firm request. You attach ください to the て-form of the verb. While it’s not rude, this form is very direct and should be used carefully depending on the situation.
Use までに when you want to give a deadline. This particle follows a specific time and shows that something must be done by that point. It’s different from まで, which simply means “until.” Combined with ～てください, you can create polite requests with clear time limits.
Want A Deeper Explanation?
Example 1
ドアを閉めてください。
どあ を しめて ください。
Doa o shimete kudasai.
Please close the door.
Example 2
金曜日までに宿題を出してください。
きんようび までに しゅくだい を だして ください。
Kinyōbi made ni shukudai o dashite kudasai.
Please turn in your homework by Friday.
Example 3
午後６時までに来てください。
ごご ろくじ までに きて ください
Gogo roku-ji made ni kite kudasai.
Please come by 6 p.m.