「お/ご〜願えませんか」- Polite Request Form

Explanation

「お/ご〜願えませんか」 (お/ご〜ねがえませんか) is a highly polite and formal way to make a request in Japanese, meaning "Could you please...?" This expression is even more formal and respectful than 「お/ご〜いただけませんか」 and is often used in situations where a very polite request is necessary.

Grammar Pattern

Grammar Point	Connection	Explanation
お + Ichidan verb masu-stem + 願えませんか	お + Ichidan verb masu-stem + 願えませんか	Used to request someone to do something, expressing high respect and politeness.
お + Godan verb masu-stem + 願えませんか	お + Godan verb masu-stem + 願えませんか	Used to request someone to do something, expressing high respect and politeness.
ご + Suru verb stem + 願えませんか	ご + Suru verb stem + 願えませんか	Used to request someone to do something, expressing high respect and politeness.

This grammatical structure is typically used in formal settings, especially when a high level of respect and politeness is required. Generally, お is added before native Japanese verbs, and ご is added before Sino-Japanese verbs, though there are some exceptions.

Deep Dive

「お/ご〜願えませんか」 is used to request someone to do something, expressing respect and the urgency of the request. It not only conveys the request but also reflects the speaker's high level of respect and politeness toward the listener.

Usage Scenarios

• Business Settings:
  • When requesting something from a client or superior, using 「お/ご〜願えませんか」 demonstrates respect and politeness.
• Formal Letters:
  • In formal letters or emails, this expression makes the request appear more formal and polite.
• Public Services:
  • When requesting cooperation or assistance from the public, this expression is very appropriate and polite.

Examples

• 大変たいへんご迷惑めいわくをおかけおかけしましたことをお詫びおわび申し上げもうしあげますが、何卒なにとぞご了承りょうしょう願えませんでしょうか。
  Taihen gomeiwaku o okake shimashita koto o owabi moushiagemasu ga, nanitozo goryoushou negaimasen deshou ka.
  We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused, but could we kindly ask for your understanding?
  
• ご協力きょうりょくをお願いおねがい申し上げもうしあげますが、このアンケートアンケートにご回答かいとう願えませんでしょうか。
  Gokyouryoku o onegai moushiagemasu ga, kono ankeeto ni gokaitou negaimasen deshou ka.
  We kindly request your cooperation, but could you please fill out this questionnaire?
  

Cultural Background

In Japanese culture, politeness and respect are crucial social norms. Therefore, when asking for someone's help or cooperation, using appropriate language to show respect is particularly important. 「お/ご〜願えませんか」, as a highly polite way to make requests, is widely used in various formal settings, reflecting the speaker's deep respect for the listener.

Summary

「お/ご〜願えませんか」 is a highly polite and formal way to make requests in Japanese, suitable for various formal and highly respectful situations. Mastering this expression not only enhances the politeness of your language but also helps you better adapt to formal communication scenarios in daily life.