Levels of Politeness

Levels of Politeness (Infinitive form of the verbs)

(“Infinitive” is the “to” form in English: To give, to receive, etc.)

Give to another person ageru – use for a superior

yaru – use for an inferior

You give me kudasaru -use for a superior

Kureru – use for an inferior

Receive itadaku – use for a superior

morau – use for an inferior

Concerning receiving from someone, often one will hear the “receive” form rather than the “you give me” form.

Omiage o itadaite (moratte), arigato gozaimasu (arigato)
[Gift am receiving, thank you (very much)]

Kirei na ohana o itadakimashita (moraimashita), domo arigato!

[Pretty flower (ohana=polite) received, thank you very much]

Hon o kudasatte (kurete), kansha shimasu.

[Book you are giving me, I do thanks]

For beginners like us, stay with the standard Japanese form!

Communicating with children is especially difficult.

-Thelma and me

-Daughter Charity