Grammar Info

N2 Lesson 3: 23/23

(たま)(Please) do!, Ask to, Beg to, (Order somebody to do something)

命令の言葉

Structure

Verb[ます+ たまえ

Details

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    Formal

About たまえ

Originally coming from the う-Verb (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.

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.

  • (われ)らに(つみ)をおかす(もの)を、(われ)らがゆるすごとく、(われ)らの(つみ)をもゆるしたまえ
    Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.

Examples

--:--

    勉強(べんきょう)をやたまえ

    Study! (bossy command)

    上司(じょうし):「これを、明日(あした)までに()たまえ。」

    Boss: 'Finish this by tomorrow.' (bossy command)

    神様(かみさま)豊穣(ほうじょう)(ねが)いをかなたまえ。」

    'God, please grant us an abundant harvest!'
    (outdated way of asking a favor/praying・can also be a command)

    オフィスの(なか):「(つぎ)(ひと)(はい)たまえ。」

    In the office: 'Next person, come in.' (bossy command)

    A:「(なん)て、()ったの。」B:「お(まえ)にうんざりだ!うちの会社(かいしゃ)をとっとと()たまえ!って()ったんだよ。」

    A: 'What did he say?' B: 'He said: 'I am fed up with you. Leave my company at once!'' (bossy command)

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