これをください

Using this phrase is like a three-step dance. First, identify the item you desire. Second, point to it clearly with your index finger. Third, say kore o kudasai with a small nod. The word kore means 'this.' The particle o acts as a grammatical bridge. It tells the listener that 'this' is the thing you want. Finally, kudasai is the polite way to say 'please give me.' It’s a complete package of politeness.

This is your best friend at the convenience store. Use it when buying a warm steamed bun in winter. It works perfectly at high-end department stores in Ginza. Use it at a restaurant when the menu has pictures. It’s also great for buying train tickets at a counter. Basically, if there is a physical object and a price tag, use this. You will sound like a natural every single time.

Never use this phrase when asking for a person’s help. For example, don't use it to ask for a taxi driver's service. In those cases, use onegai shimasu instead. Also, avoid using it for abstract concepts like 'time' or 'love.' It is strictly for physical things you can touch or point at. If you are with very close friends, it might sound a bit stiff. In that case, you might drop the o or use a more casual ending.

In Japan, the relationship between customer and clerk is special. The customer is often treated with high levels of respect. By using kudasai, you are returning that respect. It shows you acknowledge the clerk’s role in the transaction. Interestingly, pointing is generally okay in shops, but avoid pointing at people. Using this phrase helps you navigate social norms smoothly. It’s a small phrase that carries a lot of cultural weight.

You can swap kore for other words depending on distance. Use sore if the item is closer to the clerk. Use are if the item is far away from both of you. If you want to be even more polite, use onegai shimasu. Some people drop the o to say kore kudasai. This is very common in fast-paced shops. It sounds a bit more 'street' but is still very polite.