What happens in the video
Marco says to Hana, "Do me a favor. Watch the counter." Hana watches it and then charges him two dollars, which surprises him. When Marco tries again with "Hana, would you mind helping me? Just two minutes," Hana says yes for free, because polite people get the free version.
1 Could you do me a favor?
Tone Friendly and casual
Use it with friends, family and coworkers before you explain what you need. With a boss or a stranger, a softer line like "Would you mind...?" is usually safer.
Could you do me a favor
For example:
A: Hey, could you do me a favor?
B: Sure, what do you need?
A: Can you send me the notes from today's meeting?
B: No problem. I'll send them now.
2 Would you mind helping me down?
Tone Polite and soft
Use "Would you mind" plus a verb with -ing for a polite request to almost anyone. Here, mind means "is it a problem for you?", so "No, not at all" means yes, I'll help.
Would you mind helping me down?
For example:
A: Would you mind helping me with this box?
B: Not at all. Where should I put it?
A: On the table, please. Thanks.
3 If it's not too much trouble.
Tone Extra polite, careful
Add it after a bigger request, when you know you are asking for time or effort. Don't use it for tiny things like passing the salt, because it can sound too formal or even sarcastic.
If it's not too much trouble?
For example:
A: Could you drive me to the airport on Friday? If it's not too much trouble.
B: It's no trouble. What time is your flight?
4 Can I ask you a favor?
Tone Friendly, gives a warning
Use it to prepare the other person before you ask. It gives them a moment to say "Sure" first. It is fine at work and with friends.
For example:
A: Can I ask you a favor?
B: Of course. What is it?
A: Could you water my plants while I'm away?
5 Could you give me a hand?
Tone Casual and warm
Use it when you need physical help or quick practical help, like carrying, moving or fixing something. It is less natural for big favors like lending money.
For example:
A: Could you give me a hand with these bags?
B: Sure, give me two.
6 Do you have a minute?
Tone Polite, checks timing
Use it before a request when the other person looks busy. It asks about their time first. Don't use it if your request will clearly take an hour.
For example:
A: Do you have a minute?
B: Yes, what's up?
A: Could you check this email before I send it?
7 I hate to ask, but could you cover my shift?
Tone Apologetic, sincere
Use "I hate to ask, but..." when the favor is big or comes at a bad time. It shows you know you are asking a lot. Using it for small requests sounds dramatic.
For example:
A: I hate to ask, but could you cover my shift on Saturday?
B: Let me check. I think I can.
A: Thank you. I owe you one.
8 I'd really appreciate it if you could help.
Tone Polite and grateful
Use it in emails or at work to make a request sound respectful. It is a little formal for close friends.
For example:
A: I'd really appreciate it if you could review my report today.
B: Sure. I'll look at it after lunch.
Common mistakes
-
Not quite
Would you mind to help me?Better Would you mind helping me?
After "Would you mind," use the -ing form of the verb, not "to" plus the verb.
-
Not quite
A: Would you mind helping me? B: Yes, of course! (meaning "I'll help")Better A: Would you mind helping me? B: No, not at all.
Mind means "is it a problem?" A strict "Yes" means it is a problem. Many speakers say "Of course" or "Sure" too, but "No, not at all" is the clearest yes.
-
Not quite
Do me a favor. Send me the file. (to your manager)Better Could you send me the file, please?
"Do me a favor" without a question sounds like an order. With people you don't know well, ask a question instead.
Quick quiz
Choose your answer for each question, then open the answer to check it.
-
Which line is the most polite way to ask a stranger for help?
- Do me a favor.
- Would you mind helping me?
- Give me a hand.
- Help me out.
Show the answer (Question 1)
Answer: Would you mind helping me? "Would you mind" is a soft question, while the other options sound like orders.
-
Your friend asks, "Would you mind holding my coffee?" You are happy to help. What do you say?
- Yes, I mind.
- No, not at all.
- Yes, I would.
Show the answer (Question 2)
Answer: No, not at all. "No, not at all" means it is not a problem for you, so you agree to help.
-
When does "If it's not too much trouble" fit best?
- Asking someone to pass the salt
- Asking a neighbor to feed your cat for a week
- Telling a friend to hurry up
Show the answer (Question 3)
Answer: Asking a neighbor to feed your cat for a week The phrase fits a bigger request that takes real time or effort.
-
What is the tone of "Could you do me a favor?"
- Angry and rude
- Friendly and casual
- Very formal and legal
Show the answer (Question 4)
Answer: Friendly and casual It is a light, friendly question that works well with friends and coworkers.
-
Why did Hana help Marco for free the second time?
- He paid her two dollars
- He asked politely with "Would you mind"
- The counter was closed
Show the answer (Question 5)
Answer: He asked politely with "Would you mind" The first time he gave an order, and the second time he made a polite request.
Questions learners ask
Is "do me a favor" rude?
It isn't rude, but on its own it sounds like an order. Friends say it to each other all the time. With coworkers, a boss or strangers, turn it into a question: "Could you do me a favor?"
What does "Would you mind" mean?
Mind here means "is it a problem for you?" So "Would you mind helping me?" asks whether helping is a problem. Follow it with the -ing form of a verb, and answer "No, not at all" if you are happy to help.
What is the difference between "could you" and "can you"?
Both are fine for requests. "Could you" sounds a little softer and more polite, so it is a good choice when you are not sure how formal to be. "Can you" is common with friends and family.
How do I ask for a big favor without sounding pushy?
Check the timing first with "Do you have a minute?" Then ask a question such as "Could you...?" and add "if it's not too much trouble" or start with "I hate to ask, but." Thank the person whatever they answer.
Film lines are short quotes used for language teaching. The dialogue belongs to its rightsholders. Marco and Hana are animated characters made with Google Flow.
