Processing keyword: ～てくれと (〜te kureto)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～てくれと (〜te kureto)

Grammar Point: ～てくれと (～te kureto)

1. Introduction

The expression ～てくれと (te kureto) is used in Japanese when you want to convey the sense of asking someone to do something for you. It is often used to report someone's indirect speech or to indicate requests made on behalf of another person.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

1. Meaning: The structure indicates that someone is requesting another person to do something on their behalf.
2. Structure: The phrase is formed by taking the て-form (te-form) of a verb followed by くれと.
   • Formula:
     Verb (て-form) + くれと
3. Formation Diagram:

   [Verb (て-form)] + くれと
   

Examples of Verb Conversion into て-form

• 食べる (taberu - to eat) → 食べて (tabete)
• 行く (iku - to go) → 行って (itte)
• 見る (miru - to see) → 見て (mite)

Visual Aids

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar:

• ～てください (te kudasai): A more direct and polite request. It is used when asking someone directly to do something.
• Example: 食べてください (Tabete kudasai) - "Please eat."

Differences:

• ～てくれと is often used when reporting what someone else has asked for or used in casual conversation, while ～てください is direct and more formal.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal: 彼は私に行ってくれと頼みました。
   (Kare wa watashi ni itte kureto tanomimashita.)
   He asked me to go.
2. Informal: 友達が手伝ってくれといってた。
   (Tomodachi ga tetsudatte kureto itteta.)
   My friend said to help him/her.
3. Written: 上司がこのレポートを送ってくれと指示しました。
   (Joushi ga kono repōto o okutte kureto shiji shimashita.)
   The boss instructed to send this report.
4. Spoken: お母さんが遊んでくれと頼んでたよ。
   (Okaasan ga asonde kureto tanonde ta yo.)
   Mom was asking to play.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance:

• Using ～てくれと is common in casual or informal settings among friends or family. It reflects an indirect way of requesting something, which aligns with the Japanese cultural emphasis on group harmony and indirectness in communication.

Levels of Politeness:

• While using this expression is fine among peers, it is advisable to use more polite forms like ～てください when speaking to superiors or in formal situations.

Idiomatic Expressions:

• どうしても (doushitemo) をお願いして、手伝ってくれと頼んだ。
  I urgently requested that you help me.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• A common mistake is mixing up the structure with ～てください. Remember that ～てくれと is more for reporting requests rather than making them directly.

Learning Strategies

• To remember the difference, think of ～～てください as direct and polite (easy to ask someone in the moment), while ～てくれと reflects a less formal, more casual request that someone else has made.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～てくれと is used for reporting a request someone has made.
• It uses the て-form of verbs and is more informal compared to ～てください.
• Ideal for casual conversations among friends and family.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you structure a sentence using ～てくれと?
   Answer: Verb (て-form) + くれと
2. In what situations should you avoid using ～てくれと?
   Answer: In formal settings or when speaking to superiors.
3. Can you give an example with "見る" (to see)?
   Answer: 見てくれと (mite kureto) - "Ask (someone) to see."