How do you say "Please tell me the reason." in Japanese?

"Please tell me the reason." in Japanese is "理由を教えてください。". This phrase is commonly used in Japan.

What does "理由を教えてください。" mean in English?

"理由を教えてください。" means "Please tell me the reason." in English. Usage tip: [理由] + [を] marks the object: “the reason.” This is a standard, neutral question.

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How to Say ‘Please tell me the reason.’ in Japanese

理由を教えてください。

riyuu o oshie te kudasai

[ree-yoo oh oh-sheh teh koo-dah-sigh]

💬 Usage Tip: [理由] + [を] marks the object: “the reason.” This is a standard, neutral question.

🇯🇵 In Japan: Schools often ask for a reason for attendance records. You don’t need a long story—short reasons like [私用] (personal reasons) are common.

Phrase Breakdown

理由

riyuu

[ree-yoo]

reason; cause

A noun meaning “reason.” In school calls, you may be asked for the reason for absence: 欠席の理由.

Example

欠席の理由を教えてください。

Please tell me the reason for the absence.

を

[oh]

(object marker)

Marks the direct object of the verb (what is told): 理由を教える = “tell the reason.”

Example

理由を説明します。

I will explain the reason.

教え

oshie

[oh-sheh]

tell/teach (stem)

Stem of 教える used in the request pattern 教えてください.

Example

理由を教えてください。

Please tell me the reason.

て

[teh]

-te form connector/request marker

Connects to ください to form a polite request: 教えてください.

Example

日程を教えてください。

Please tell me the schedule/date.

ください

kudasai

[koo-dah-sigh]

please (do)

Used after 〜て to politely ask someone to do something: 〜てください.

Example

確認してください。

Please check/confirm.

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