どうぞ
dōzo[do̞ːzo̞]
The English phrase "here you go" is translated into Japanese as どうぞ (dōzo).
どうぞ is a versatile phrase used when handing something to someone, but it can also mean "please" or "go ahead."
Which one should you use?
While どうぞ is the standard way to say "here you go," in informal settings you might use ほら to draw attention to what you are presenting, meaning "here" or "look," or use これ to mean "here" or "take this."
How do you pronounce it?
dōzo
Did you know?
- The phrase どうぞ comes from どう meaning 'how' or 'anyhow' and the emphatic particle ぞ.
- While 'here you go' often accompanies a physical gift in English, saying どうぞ while offering something in Japan is often accompanied by a slight bow to show respect.
- どうぞ can be used to grant permission for someone to start eating or speaking. It essentially transforms the 'here you go' of an object into the 'go ahead' of an action.
Examples in context
- はいどうぞ。Here you go.This sentence shows a simple way to say "Here you go."Tatoeba #198337 by arnab, translation #5302355 by steborce
- 「はい、どうぞ」「ありがとうございます」"Here you go." "Thank you."This example shows the exchange of saying "Here you go" followed by "Thank you."Tatoeba #10022399 by small_snow, translation #5832804 by OsoHombre
- 「砂糖を取ってくれませんか」「はい、どうぞ」"Could you pass me the sugar?" "Here you go."This example shows how to respond when someone asks you to pass something, such as sugar.Tatoeba #236328 by mookeee, translation #2994259 by AlanF_US
- こちらがお食事です。どうぞお召し上がりください。Here is your meal. Please enjoy it.
- これ、あなたのために買ってきたよ。I bought this for you. Here you go.
- ほら、君の好きな本だよ。Here, it's your favorite book.
Example conversation
A brother hands a snack to his sister at home.
- 陽太 Yota陽葵、これどうぞ。Himari, kore douzo.Himari, here you go.
- 陽葵 Himariわあ、ありがとう！Waa, arigatou!Wow, thank you!
- 陽太 Yota陽葵、食べていいよ。Himari, tabete ii yo.You can eat it, Himari.
- 陽葵 Himariうん、いただきます。Un, itadakimasu.Okay, thanks for the food.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry どうぞ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries どうぞ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
