Processing keyword: Verb ていただく (〜te itadaku)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verb ていただく (〜te itadaku)

1. Introduction

The grammar point 〜ていただく (te itadaku) is a humble expression used in Japanese to politely indicate that someone does something for you. It shows respect and humility towards the person performing the action, fitting within the broader system of honorific language in Japanese culture.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

〜ていただく is used to express that you receive a favor or service from someone of higher status or whom you wish to show respect to. It emphasizes your gratitude and humility.

Structure

To construct this form:

Verb (て-form) + いただく

Formation Diagram

Let's break it down:

Step	Example Verb: 食べる (taberu)	Example Verb: 言う (iu)
Dictionary Form	食べる (taberu)	言う (iu)
て-form	食べて (tabete)	言って (itte)
+ いただく	食べていただく (tabete itadaku)	言っていただく (itte itadaku)

• Verb (て-form): Convert the verb to its て-form.
• いただく: Add いただく after the て-form.

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing Similar Expressions

〜てくれる

• Usage: When someone does something for you (standard politeness).
• Example: 田中さんが教えてくれました。
  • "Tanaka-san taught me."

〜てもらう

• Usage: When you receive a favor from someone (neutral politeness).
• Example: 友達に手伝ってもらいました。
  • "I got help from a friend."

〜ていただく

• Usage: Humble expression showing respect (high politeness).
• Example: 先生にご説明していただきました。
  • "I had the teacher kindly explain."

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Situations

1. 資料を送っていただき、ありがとうございます。
   • Shiryō o okutte itadaki, arigatō gozaimasu.
   • "Thank you for sending me the materials."
2. ご参加いただき、心より感謝申し上げます。
   • Go sanka itadaki, kokoro yori kansha mōshiagemasu.
   • "I sincerely appreciate your participation."

Making Polite Requests

1. お手数ですが、予約を変更していただけますか。
   • Otesū desu ga, yoyaku o henkō shite itadakemasu ka.
   • "Sorry to trouble you, but could you change the reservation?"
2. このアンケートにご記入いただけますでしょうか。
   • Kono ankēto ni gokinyū itadakemasu deshō ka.
   • "Could you please fill out this questionnaire?"

Business Context

1. ご検討いただければ幸いです。
   • Gokentō itadakereba saiwai desu.
   • "I would appreciate it if you could consider it."
2. ご返信いただき、ありがとうございます。
   • Gohenshin itadaki, arigatō gozaimasu.
   • "Thank you for your reply."

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Hierarchy in Language: Japanese language reflects social hierarchy. Using 〜ていただく shows deference to someone of higher status.
• Politeness Levels: This form is part of 謙譲語 (kenjōgo), the humble language used to lower oneself and elevate the listener.

Idiomatic Expressions

• お越しいただく (okoshi itadaku) - "to have someone come"
  • 本日はお越しいただき、ありがとうございます。
    • "Thank you for coming today."
• ご覧いただく (goran itadaku) - "to have someone look"
  • 資料をご覧いただけますか。
    • "Could you please look at the materials?"

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using with Inferiors or Peers in Casual Settings
   • Incorrect: 昨日、弟に手伝っていただいた。
   • Why it's wrong: Using いただく with someone younger or of lower status is unnecessary and sounds awkward.
2. Confusing with 〜てもらう
   • Incorrect: 部長に報告してもらいました。
   • Should be: 部長に報告していただきました。
   • Reason: With superiors, use 〜ていただく to show proper respect.

Tips

• Remember the Hierarchy: Use 〜ていただく with superiors, clients, or in formal situations.
• Polite Requests: Combine with potential form 〜ていただけますか for polite requests.
• Practice Set Phrases: Familiarize yourself with common expressions like ご覧いただく, お越しいただく.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 〜ていただく is a humble expression meaning "to have someone do something for you" with respect.
• Formed by adding いただく to the て-form of a verb.
• Used in formal contexts or when speaking to someone of higher status.
• Reflects Japanese cultural emphasis on politeness and hierarchy.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you form the 〜ていただく expression?
   • Answer: By adding いただく to the verb's て-form.
2. When should you use 〜ていただく instead of 〜てもらう?
   • Answer: When speaking to or about someone of higher status to show respect.
3. What is the role of いただく in this grammar point?
   • Answer: It acts as a humble auxiliary verb indicating you receive the action.

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By understanding and correctly using 〜ていただく, you can communicate respectfully and effectively in formal Japanese settings.

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