～ていただけませんか
Could you please do this for me?
You'll be able to make a highly considerate request in formal or unfamiliar situations.
もう一度説明していただけませんか。
mou ichido setsumei shite itadakemasen ka.
What do you think this sentence means?
Could you please explain it once more?
Make a deferential request
～ていただけませんか asks whether the speaker could receive the favor of the listener’s action. It is a considerate request suited to strangers, teachers, or formal situations.
ここにお名前を書いていただけませんか。
koko ni onamae o kaite itadakemasen ka.
Could you please write your name here?
Form and use ～ていただけませんか
いただける is the potential of humble いただく. The negative polite question conventionally softens the request; it does not imply that refusal is expected.
ここにお名前を書いていただけませんか。
koko ni onamae o kaite itadakemasen ka.
Could you please write your name here?
写真を撮っていただけませんか。
shashin o totte itadakemasen ka.
Could you please take a photograph for us?
すみません、もう少しゆっくり話していただけませんか。
sumimasen, mou sukoshi yukkuri hanashite itadakemasen ka.
Excuse me, could you possibly speak a little more slowly?
すみません、この漢字の読み方を教えていただけませんか。
sumimasen, kono kanji no yomikata o oshiete itadakemasen ka.
Excuse me, could you possibly tell me how to read this kanji?
すみません、駅までの地図を書いていただけませんか。
sumimasen, eki made no chizu o kaite itadakemasen ka.
Excuse me, would you mind drawing me a map to the station?
7 more examples in the grammar path — free for a limited time.