させてもらいます / させていただきます / せてほしい
These expressions—（さ）せてもらいます, （さ）せていただきます, and （さ）せてほしい—are used to convey permission, deference, or a desire for approval when taking action. They differ in politeness level and nuance, allowing the speaker to choose an expression suitable for the social situation.
（さ）せてもらいます
Frequent Usages
- 先に帰らせてもらいます
- 今回は私に話させてもらいます
- このプロジェクトを担当させてもらいます
- 発表を始めさせてもらいます
- 今日休ませてもらいます
Meaning and Usage
（さ）せてもらいます is used to indicate that the speaker is taking action with implicit permission or understanding from others. It implies a sense of appreciation for being allowed to do something and is often translated as “I’ll be allowed to…” or “I’ll go ahead and…” It’s commonly used in neutral to polite contexts where the speaker wants to politely announce or acknowledge their intention to act, showing a moderate level of respect.
Common Meanings
- Requesting Permission or Acknowledging Approval: Used to convey that the speaker will perform an action with the understanding or implicit permission of others.
- Polite Declaration of Intent: It shows that the speaker values the opportunity to take this action.
Form
- Verb (causative form させる) + もらいます
- 先に帰らせてもらいます
さきにかえらせてもらいます
"I’ll be allowed to leave early."
Examples with させてもらいます
- 今日休ませてもらいます
きょうやすませてもらいます
"I’ll be taking the day off today." - 私に説明させてもらいます
わたしにせつめいさせてもらいます
"I’ll go ahead and explain." - この仕事を担当させてもらいます
このしごとをたんとうさせてもらいます
"I’ll be taking charge of this task."
（さ）せていただきます
Frequent Usages
- 先に帰らせていただきます
- こちらを発表させていただきます
- この場で質問させていただきます
- 会議を進めさせていただきます
- 少しお時間をいただき、説明させていただきます
Meaning and Usage
（さ）せていただきます is a more polite and formal version of （さ）せてもらいます. It is often used in business or formal settings to humbly request permission or thankfully acknowledge being allowed to perform an action. This expression is commonly used to show deep respect and humility toward those who grant permission. It can be translated as “I humbly request to be allowed to…” or “I would like to, with your permission…”
Common Meanings
- Humble Permission Request: Used in formal contexts to request permission politely and humbly.
- Acknowledgment of Others’ Approval: Indicates gratitude for being allowed to perform the action, showing a high level of respect.
Form
- Verb (causative form させる) + いただきます
- この場で質問させていただきます
このばでしつもんさせていただきます
"With your permission, I’d like to ask a question here."
Examples with させていただきます
- 今日休ませていただきます
きょうやすませていただきます
"I’d like to humbly request to take the day off today." - 皆様に説明させていただきます
みなさまにせつめいさせていただきます
"Allow me to humbly explain to everyone." - この件について報告させていただきます
このけんについてほうこくさせていただきます
"I would like to humbly report on this matter."
（さ）せてほしい
Frequent Usages
- この件を担当させてほしい
- 一度だけ話させてほしい
- 今日休ませてほしい
- 最後まで言わせてほしい
- これをやらせてほしい
Meaning and Usage
（さ）せてほしい is used to express the speaker’s desire to be allowed to do something. This form is often used in casual or informal situations when speaking to friends, family, or peers, and it implies a direct request for permission to act. The phrase can be translated as “I want you to let me…” or “Please allow me to…”
Common Meanings
- Direct Permission Request: Used to ask for permission directly, often among close acquaintances.
- Personal Wish or Desire: Conveys that the speaker has a personal desire to be allowed to perform an action.
Form
- Verb (causative form させる) + ほしい
- 今日休ませてほしい
きょうやすませてほしい
"I want you to let me take the day off."
Examples with させてほしい
- 最後まで話させてほしい
さいごまではなさせてほしい
"I want you to let me finish speaking." - これを私にやらせてほしい
これをわたしにやらせてほしい
"I want you to let me do this." - 少し考えさせてほしい
すこしかんがえさせてほしい
"Please allow me to think about it a bit."
Key Differences Between させてもらいます, させていただきます, and させてほしい
- Politeness Level:
- させてほしい: Casual and direct, used for close relationships.
- させてもらいます: Polite, suitable for neutral settings; shows appreciation.
- させていただきます: Highly polite and formal, commonly used in business or professional settings to show humility and respect.
- Usage Context:
- させてほしい is best for casual settings and conveys a straightforward wish.
- させてもらいます is polite but not overly formal, used to acknowledge implicit permission or convey respect in semi-formal contexts.
- させていただきます is appropriate in formal or business contexts to request permission with humility and respect.
- Nuance:
- させてほしい focuses on the speaker’s desire for permission.
- させてもらいます indicates appreciation for the opportunity to act.
- させていただきます expresses humility and respect for others’ permission.
Example Sentences Comparing させてもらいます, させていただきます, and させてほしい
- させてほしい (Casual):
- このプロジェクトを私にやらせてほしい
このプロジェクトをわたしにやらせてほしい
"I want you to let me do this project."
- させてもらいます (Polite):
- このプロジェクトを私にやらせてもらいます
このプロジェクトをわたしにやらせてもらいます
"I’ll go ahead and handle this project."
- させていただきます (Formal):
- このプロジェクトを私にやらせていただきます
このプロジェクトをわたしにやらせていただきます
"Allow me to humbly take charge of this project."
In summary, させてほしい is a direct and casual request for permission, させてもらいます is a polite acknowledgment of permission to act, and させていただきます is a respectful and formal request, commonly used in professional settings to show deference.
