よろしくお伝えください
yoroshiku otsutae kudasai
In Japanese, the phrase for "hello to someone" is よろしくお伝えください (yoroshiku otsutae kudasai).
This phrase is used as a request to pass on greetings or regards to a third person.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of yoroshiku meaning well or suitably, otsutae meaning convey or transmit and kudasai meaning please.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form よろしくお伝えください is a polite way to ask someone to pass on your greetings to a third party.
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify whom the greetings should be passed to, place the person's name followed by the particle ni before the phrase.
How do you pronounce it?
yoroshiku otsutae kudasai
Did you know?
- While the phrase asks to 'convey' a message, the actual word for 'hello' (こんにちは) is almost never used inside this specific request.
- In professional settings, you may use the phrase よろしくお伝えください even if you have never actually met the person you are sending greetings to, as a way of establishing a formal connection.
- In Japanese culture, passing on greetings like this is often seen as a way to 'maintain the thread' of a relationship so it does not wither from lack of contact.
Examples in context
- 田中さんに、よろしくお伝えください。Tanaka-san ni, yoroshiku otsutae kudasai.Please give my regards to Mr. Tanaka.
- ご家族に、よろしくお伝えください。Go-kazoku ni, yoroshiku otsutae kudasai.Please give my best regards to your family.
- 先生に、よろしくお伝えください。Sensei ni, yoroshiku otsutae kudasai.Please say hello to the teacher for me.
Example conversation
Yui is saying goodbye to Ren before he goes home.
- 結衣 Yui蓮さんの奥様に、よろしくお伝えください。Ren-san no okusama ni, yoroshiku otsutae kudasai.Please give my regards to your wife, Ren.
- 蓮 Renありがとうございます。伝えておきます。Arigatou gozaimasu. Tsutaete okimasu.Thank you. I will tell her.
- 結衣 Yuiそれでは、お気をつけて。Sorede wa, oki wo tsukete.Well, take care.
- 蓮 Renはい、失礼します。Hai, shitsurei shimasu.Yes, goodbye.
