Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say “onegaishimasu”! Whether you want to use it in a formal or informal setting, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Usage
In formal situations, it’s important to show respect and courtesy. “Onegaishimasu” is a versatile Japanese phrase that can be used in various contexts, such as greetings, requests, or when expressing gratitude. Here’s how to use it formally:
Greeting
– When meeting someone for the first time, you can say “Hajimemashite, onegaishimasu.” This means “Nice to meet you, please be kind to me.”
– At the start of a meeting or event, you can say “Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.” This expression conveys the meaning of “Please treat me well.”
Request
– If you need assistance or a favor, you can use “Onegaishimasu” to make a polite request. For example, “Eigo o oshiete kudasai, onegaishimasu” means “Please teach me English.”
Gratitude
– When expressing appreciation, you can say “Arigatou gozaimasu, onegaishimasu.” This translates to “Thank you very much, please.”
Informal Usage
In informal situations, you can use a more casual tone while still being respectful. Here’s how to use “onegaishimasu” informally:
Greeting
– If you are meeting friends or people of similar age, you can say “Yoroshiku.” It is shorter and conveys a similar meaning to “yoroshiku onegaishimasu.” It can be used as a standalone phrase to mean “Nice to meet you” or “Please treat me well.”
Request
– In casual settings, you can make requests using a less formal tone. For instance, “Eigo o oshiete, yoroshiku” means “Please teach me English.”
Gratitude
– When expressing gratitude informally, you can simply say “Arigatou” or “Arigatougozaimasu” to convey thanks without using “onegaishimasu.”
Regional Variations
While “onegaishimasu” is widely used across Japan, there may be some regional variations. Here are a few examples:
Kansai Region
– In the Kansai region, people often use “kudasai” instead of “onegaishimasu.” So, you may hear “onegaishimasu” less frequently.
“Tabete kudasai” means “Please eat.” This can be used in both formal and informal situations.
Hokkaido Region
– In Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, people sometimes use “keitai” instead of “onegaishimasu” to mean “please.”
“Kore o totte, keitai” translates to “Please take this.”
Okinawa Region
– In Okinawa, a variation of “onegaishimasu” is “unigisabira.” It conveys a similar meaning of “please.”
“Chotto matte, unigisabira” means “Wait a moment, please.”
Tips for Using “Onegaishimasu”
Here are some tips to help you use “onegaishimasu” effectively:
- Listen and Observe: Pay attention to how native speakers use the phrase in different situations. Mimicking their usage will help you sound more natural.
- Politeness: “Onegaishimasu” is a polite phrase, so be mindful of the context and whom you are addressing. Use it appropriately to show respect and courtesy.
- Pronunciation: Break down the word into syllables to enhance your pronunciation. Pronounce it as “oh-neh-guy-shee-mahss” with stress on the “shi” syllable.
- Non-Verbal Communication: Accompanying the phrase with a slight bow and a smile can further emphasize politeness and sincerity.
- Context: Consider the situation and the people involved when deciding to use “onegaishimasu.” Sometimes a more casual phrase like “yoroshiku” may be more appropriate in informal settings.
Example Dialogue:
A: “Konbanwa, yoroshiku onegaishimasu.”
B: “Konbanwa, onegaishimasu. Kaigi wa dou desu ka?”
A: “Jouzu ni ikimashou. Onegaishimasu.”
“A: Good evening, please treat me well.”
“B: Good evening, please. How is the meeting going?”
“A: Let’s go smoothly. Please.”
Remember, practice and exposure are key to mastering the usage of “onegaishimasu” in various situations. As you become more familiar with the phrase, you’ll develop a natural sense of when and how to use it!
We hope this guide has been helpful in understanding how to say “onegaishimasu” formally and informally. Enjoy using this versatile phrase and embrace the warmth of Japanese culture!
