Grammar Info
N2 Lesson 3: 23/23

給(たま)え
(please) do!, ask to・beg to, [order somebody to do something]

命令の言葉

Structure
Verb[ます+ たまえ
Details
Register Formal
使用域 硬い
Information
Originally coming from the う-Verb 給(たま)う 'to give', or 'to bestow', the imperative form たまえ may be seen attached to the ます-stem of verbs, in order to create a light order. It is often translated simply as 'please do (A)'.
Despite this, たまえ is a structure that is only used to someone of lower status than the speaker, and primarily only by men. This 'lower status relationship' is usually one that is obvious between both the speaker and the listener, such as a boss and subordinate.
  • まあまあ、とりあえず座(すわ)りたまえ
    Well, please, take a seat.
  • 何(なに)か言(い)いたそうな顔(かお)をしている君(きみ)!考(かんが)えてる事(こと)を言(い)いたまえ
    You look like you want to say something! Please say what you are thinking!
  • 遠慮(えんりょ)せずどんどん食(た)べたまえ
    Please eat as much as you want without hesitation.
Fun-fact - In the past, たまえ was sometimes used to ask for favors or for wishes to be granted in prayers. However, this use will primarily only be seen in books in the modern era.
  • 我(われ)らに罪(つみ)をおかす者(もの)を、我(われ)らがゆるすごとく、我(われ)らの罪(つみ)をもゆるしたまえ
    Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Slow Male
Hide All
Hide Japanese
Hide English
勉強(べんきょう)をやたまえ
Study!
Play  
怒(おこ)った上司(じょうし):「何(なに)かを実行(じっこう)する前(まえ)にまず少(すこ)し考(かんが)たまえ!」
Angry boss: "Before you do something, think a little first!"
Play  
上司(じょうし):「これを、明日(あした)までに終(お)たまえ。」
Boss: "Finish this by tomorrow."
Play  
Online
JapaneseTest
Books

No page info