How to Say “Please tell …” in Japanese | ～と伝えていただけませんか (…to tsutaete itadakemasen ka) | JLPT N4 Grammar

2025/12/13

The expression 「～と伝えていただけませんか」 is a polite Japanese grammar pattern used when you want to ask someone to pass a message on to a third person.

It is commonly taught at the JLPT N4 level and is very useful in daily life, especially when you cannot speak to someone directly.

This pattern combines と伝える (“to tell / to convey”) with ～ていただけませんか, a polite request form that shows consideration and respect toward the listener. Because of this, it sounds soft, indirect, and appropriate in many everyday situations, including work and customer interactions.

When and How It’s Used

「～と伝えていただけませんか」 is used when you ask someone to convey information, a request, or a message to another person.

You typically use this expression when:

• The person you want to talk to is not present
  
• You want to be polite and avoid sounding pushy
  
• You are speaking to a coworker, staff member, or someone you do not know well
  

This grammar is especially common in workplaces, schools, shops, and phone conversations.
Compared with a direct command like 「～と伝えてください」, using 「いただけませんか」 makes the request sound gentler and more respectful.

See How it’s used in conversation

This video will help you understand how is used ～と伝えていただけませんか in everyday Japanese conversations. Watch and repeat to improve your listening and speaking skills!

Sentence Pattern

Plain form sentence + と + 伝えていただけませんか

• The part before と is the message you want to convey.
  
• The verb 伝える means “to tell” or “to pass on.”
  
• ～ていただけませんか is a polite request meaning “Could you please…?”
  

This structure allows you to clearly state the content of the message while keeping a polite tone.

Examples

1. 田中さんは今日は休みだと伝えていただけませんか。
   Tanaka-san wa kyō wa yasumi da to tsutaete itadakemasen ka.
   Could you please tell Mr. Tanaka that I am off today?

2. 会議は来週になったと部長に伝えていただけませんか。
   Kaigi wa raishū ni natta to buchō ni tsutaete itadakemasen ka.
   Could you please tell the manager that the meeting has been moved to next week?

3. 明日は少し遅れますと伝えていただけませんか。
   Ashita wa sukoshi okuremasu to tsutaete itadakemasen ka.
   Could you please tell them that I will be a little late tomorrow?

4. ありがとうございましたと先生に伝えていただけませんか。
   Arigatō gozaimashita to sensei ni tsutaete itadakemasen ka.
   Could you please tell the teacher “thank you”?

In Summary

「～と伝えていただけませんか」 is a very practical N4 grammar pattern for politely asking someone to pass on a message.

By using いただけませんか, you show respect and consideration, which helps maintain smooth and friendly communication. Mastering this expression allows you to handle indirect communication naturally in Japanese and makes your speech sound more polite and mature.

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Mastering the core grammar of JLPT N4 is just one step toward passing the exam. To build a solid foundation, you’ll also need to learn JLPT N4 Grammar List , and also Play List on Youtube for JLPT N4 helps you understand important grammar easily.

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