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

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

～てくれと (〜te kure to)

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

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.)
• ～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.)

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

1. Fill in the blank: 先生に宿題を______と言われた。 Answer: 出してくれ
2. True or False: ～てくれと can be used interchangeably with ～てくださいと in formal settings. Answer: False
3. 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.