下さる

• Reading: くださる
• Romaji: kudasaru
• Kanji breakdown: 下 (ka/ge/shita/kuda) — below, down, give
• Pronunciation: /kɯ.da.sa.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To give; to bestow. The honorific form of くれる, used to respectfully describe someone giving something.

A special Group 1 verb (五段aru verb) with irregular conjugation — the ます form is 下さいます (not 下さります). Honorific (尊敬語) used to elevate the giver. Also forms the polite request ください (please). Very important in formal communication and customer service.

Examples

1. 先生がとても丁寧に教えて下さいました。 The teacher was kind enough to explain it very carefully.
2. 部長がお土産を下さった。 The department manager gave me a souvenir.
3. お忙しい中、来て下さってありがとうございます。 Thank you for coming despite being so busy.

Usage Guide

Context: formal speech, business, gratitude

Tone: respectful

Origin & History

From 下 (below, down) and さる (auxiliary verb). The concept of giving from above reflects the hierarchical nature of Japanese honorifics — the giver is elevated.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Upper/formal