Processing keyword: Verb ていただきたい (te itadakitai)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verb ていただきたい (te itadakitai)

1. Introduction

The expression ～ていただきたい (te itadakitai) is a polite request form in Japanese. It is used to express a desire for someone to do something for you, showing respect and humility towards the person you are addressing. This grammar point is essential for formal conversations, especially in business or polite contexts.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• ～ていただきたい is used to politely request or express a strong desire for someone to perform an action for you.
• It reflects humility on the part of the speaker and respect towards the listener.
• Often used when speaking to superiors, clients, or in formal situations.

Structure

Formation

1. Take the verb's て-form (te-form).
2. Add いただきたい (itadakitai). Structure Diagram:

[Verb in て-form] + いただきたい

Examples:

• 書く (kaku) → 書いて (kaite) + いただきたい → 書いていただきたい
• 説明する (setsumei suru) → 説明して (setsumei shite) + いただきたい → 説明していただきたい

Detailed Explanation

• いただく is the humble form of もらう (morau), meaning "to receive."
• By using いただきたい, you are humbly expressing your desire to receive the action performed by the other person.
• The て-form of the verb connects the action to いただく, indicating the action you wish to receive.
• Adding ～たい conveys your desire or wish for that action.

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Expressions

～てほしい (te hoshii) vs. ～ていただきたい (te itadakitai)

Expression	Politeness Level	Usage Context	Example
～てほしい	Casual/Polite	Friends, family, peers	手伝ってほしい。(I want you to help me.)
～ていただきたい	Very Polite	Superiors, clients, formal situations	ご確認していただきたいです。(I would like you to check it.)

• ～てほしい is appropriate for casual requests among equals or to subordinates.
• ～ていただきたい is used to show greater respect and is suitable for formal settings.

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4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal Request to a Superior
   • Japanese: 午後3時までに報告書を提出していただきたいです。
   • Romaji: Gogo san-ji made ni hōkokusho o teishutsu shite itadakitai desu.
   • English: I would like you to submit the report by 3 PM.
2. Polite Request in Business
   • Japanese: 新しい企画についてご意見を伺っていただきたいと思います。
   • Romaji: Atarashii kikaku ni tsuite go-iken o ukagatte itadakitai to omoimasu.
   • English: I would like to hear your opinions on the new project.
3. Requesting Assistance Politely
   • Japanese: 資料の準備を手伝っていただきたいのですが。
   • Romaji: Shiryō no junbi o tetsudatte itadakitai no desu ga.
   • English: I would like you to help prepare the materials.
4. Formal Email Closure
   • Japanese: ご確認のほど、よろしくお願いいたします。返信していただきたいと存じます。
   • Romaji: Go-kakunin no hodo, yoroshiku onegai itashimasu. Henshin shite itadakitai to zonjimasu.
   • English: Thank you for your confirmation. I would appreciate it if you could reply.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Respect and Hierarchy:
  • Japanese language places heavy emphasis on respect and hierarchy.
  • Using ～ていただきたい acknowledges the listener's higher status or shows deference.
• Politeness Levels:
  • Humble Language (謙譲語) is used to lower oneself and elevate the listener.
  • Essential in business communication, customer service, and formal occasions.

Idiomatic Expressions

• お忙しいところ恐縮ですが、
  • Meaning: I'm sorry to trouble you when you're busy, but...
  • Often used before making a request with ～ていただきたい.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Overusing in Casual Contexts:
   • Incorrect: 友達に映画を見ていただきたい。
     • Too formal for friends.
   • Correct: 友達に映画を見てほしい。
2. Mixing Politeness Levels:
   • Incorrect: 先生に手伝ってもらいたい。
     • もらいたい is less formal, not suitable for addressing a teacher respectfully.
   • Correct: 先生に手伝っていただきたい。

Learning Strategies

• Remember the Hierarchy:
  • Use ～ていただきたい when addressing someone of higher status or in formal situations.
  • For equals or those below you in status, ～てほしい is appropriate.
• Practice Set Phrases:
  • Familiarize yourself with common phrases that use ～ていただきたい.
  • Example: ご検討していただきたいと存じます。 (I would like you to consider it.)

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～ていただきたい is a very polite way to express your desire for someone to do something.
• Formed by adding いただきたい to the verb's て-form.
• Shows humility and respect, suitable for formal contexts.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank with the correct form: お時間があるときに、メールを返信して_________です。
   • Answer: いただきたい
2. True or False: It is appropriate to use ～ていただきたい when making a request to your manager.
   • Answer: True
3. Choose the more appropriate expression for a close friend:
   • A) 説明していただきたい。
   • B) 説明してほしい。
   • Answer: B) 説明してほしい。

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By understanding and correctly using ～ていただきたい, you can communicate your requests politely and show respect in formal Japanese settings. Practice incorporating this grammar point into your formal conversations and written communications.

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Note: Always consider the relationship and context when choosing the appropriate level of politeness in Japanese.

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