Processing keyword: ～てくれと (〜te kureto)
Japanese Grammar Point: ～てくれと (〜te kureto)
1. Introduction
In Japanese, conveying that someone requested or told you to do something involves specific grammatical structures. One such structure is ～てくれと (〜te kure to). This grammar point is essential for expressing indirect requests or commands made by someone else towards the speaker.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
～てくれと is used to relay a request, command, or instruction that someone directed at you. It translates to "told me to ~," "asked me to ~," or "requested that I ~" in English.
Structure
Verb in て-form + くれと + 言われた / 頼まれた / 注意された
- Verb in て-form: The action that was requested.
- くれと: Particle indicating a request directed at "me."
- 言われた / 頼まれた / 注意された: Verbs meaning "was told," "was asked," "was cautioned," respectively.
Formation Diagram
| Component | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Verb (て-form) | Action requested | 書いて (kaite) |
| くれと | Indicates request to the speaker | くれと (kure to) |
| 言われた | Verb meaning "was told" | 言われた (iwareta) |
| Complete Sentence | 書いてくれと言われた。 |
3. Comparative Analysis
Comparison with Similar Grammar Points
～てと言われた vs. ～てくれと言われた
- ～てと言われた: Simply reports what someone said, without emphasis on who should perform the action.
- 例: 先生に宿題を出してと言われた。
(The teacher told us to submit the homework.)
- 例: 先生に宿題を出してと言われた。
- ～てくれと言われた: Emphasizes that the request was directed specifically at me.
- 例: 先生に宿題を出してくれと言われた。
(The teacher told me to submit the homework.)
- 例: 先生に宿題を出してくれと言われた。
Nuance Differences
- くれ adds a personal element, highlighting that the action is to be done by the speaker for the benefit of the requester.
- Excludes others from the action unless specified.
4. Examples in Context
Example 1: Informal Spoken
日本語 友達に手伝ってくれと頼まれた。 English Translation My friend asked me to help.
Example 2: Formal Written
日本語 上司に報告書を提出してくれと言われました。 English Translation My boss told me to submit the report.
Example 3: Casual Conversation
日本語 母が野菜を食べてくれと注意した。 English Translation My mother cautioned me to eat my vegetables.
Example 4: Formal Spoken
日本語 先生にもっと練習してくれと指導を受けた。 English Translation I was instructed by my teacher to practice more.
Example 5: Indirect Request
日本語 彼女は私に早く帰ってくれと言った。 English Translation She told me to go home early.
5. Cultural Notes
Cultural Relevance
- Directness: Using ～てくれと can sound quite direct. In Japanese culture, direct requests can be considered impolite in certain contexts.
- Politeness Levels: It's important to adjust the level of politeness based on the relationship and context.
Levels of Politeness and Formality
- Casual Situations: Acceptable among close friends and family.
- Formal Situations: Use more polite forms like ～ていただけませんか or ～てくださいませんか.
Idiomatic Expressions
- 顔を立ててくれと言われた
(I was told to save face.)- An idiomatic expression where ～てくれと is used within a set phrase.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Common Mistake 1: Incorrect Verb Form
Incorrect 部長はプロジェクトを完成するくれと言った。 Correct 部長はプロジェクトを完成してくれと言った。 Tip: Always use the て-form of the verb before くれと.
Common Mistake 2: Misinterpretation of Politeness
Using ～てくれと in formal situations can come across as rude. Tip: In formal contexts, opt for more polite expressions.
Common Mistake 3: Omitting "と"
Incorrect 彼は待ってくれ言った。 Correct 彼は待ってくれと言った。 Tip: Don't forget to include the particle と after くれ.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ～てくれと is used to report a request directed at you.
- It emphasizes that the speaker is the one expected to perform the action.
- Adjust politeness levels according to the context.
Quick Recap Quiz
- Fill in the blank: 先生に宿題を______と言われた。 Answer: 出してくれ
- True or False: ～てくれと can be used interchangeably with ～てくださいと in formal settings. Answer: False
- Correct the mistake: 友達が遊びに来るてくれと頼んだ。 Answer: 友達が遊びに来てくれと頼んだ。
By understanding ～てくれと, you can accurately convey when someone has requested you to do something, adding depth and precision to your Japanese communication.