Japanese

こう
Meaning: to ask; to request; to beg
Part of Speech: Verb

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Verb inflections

Form Affirmative Negative
Present 請う 請わない
Polite 請います 請いません
Past 請うた 請わなかった
Polite + Past 請いました 請いませんでした
Te-form 請うて 請わなくて
Potential 請える 請えない
Passive 請われる 請われない
Causative 請わせる 請わせない
Causative + Passive 請わされる 請わされない
Imperative 請え 請うな

Handwriting

請
う

Example sentences

To ask an expert for advice.
彼は地面に膝をついて、許しを請うた。
He knelt on the ground and begged for forgiveness.

Usage Notes

Used when humbly requesting something from someone, often an expert or superior. It implies a sense of earnestness and respect.

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