How to Say “Please Do” in Japanese: Formal and Informal Ways

Learning how to say “please do” in Japanese is a valuable skill in any language learner’s arsenal. Politeness and respect are highly regarded in Japanese culture, and knowing the appropriate expressions for making requests can greatly enhance your interactions with Japanese speakers. In this guide, we will explore the different ways to say “please do” in both formal and informal contexts, offering plenty of tips and examples along the way.

Formal Expressions: Politeness at its Best

In formal situations, such as speaking to superiors, strangers, or people you wish to show respect to, it is crucial to use the appropriate language. Below are several common phrases you can use to ask someone to do something politely:

1. Onegaishimasu (お願いします): This phrase is the go-to expression for politely making a request in Japanese. It translates to “please” or “I humbly request” depending on the context. For example, if you want to ask someone to close the door, you can say “Doa o shime onegaishimasu.” It can be used in various situations and is always a safe bet.
2. Kudasai (ください): Another commonly used word for making polite requests is “kudasai.” This term is typically placed after the name of the item or action you are asking for. For instance, if you want to ask for a cup of tea, you can say “Ocha o kudasai.” It expresses a humble request in a formal manner.
3. O-negai (お願い): Similar to “onegaishimasu,” “o-negai” is another respectful expression for making requests politely. It can be combined with other words to specify what you are asking for. For instance, you can say “Kochira e o-negai shimasu” to politely ask someone to come this way.
4. O-sasete itadakemasu ka (おさせていただけますか): In more formal situations, when you wish to ask someone for permission to do something, this phrase comes in handy. It translates to “May I (humbly) do?” or “Could you let me (humbly) do?” You can use this expression by adding the specific action you want permission for. For example, if you want to ask to take a photo, you can say “Shashin o sasete itadakemasu ka.”

Note: Remember to use polite speech forms, such as the -masu form of verbs, when using these formal expressions.

Informal Expressions: Conversational Requests

In more casual settings, like when interacting with friends or people of similar age and status, you can use less formal expressions to make requests. Here are some common phrases and words to use in informal situations:

1. Onegai (お願い): Simply dropping the “shimasu” from “onegaishimasu” creates a more casual version of the phrase. You can use it to make requests among friends or in less formal contexts. For example, if you want to ask a classmate for a pencil, you can say “Enpitsu o onegai.”
2. Chotto (ちょっと): This term, meaning “a little,” is often used to soften requests. It is particularly useful when you want to ask someone for a small favor, like borrowing their pen or getting a small quantity of something. For instance, if you want to ask a friend for some water, you can say “Mizu chotto.”
3. Kure (くれ): A more direct informal way to ask for something is using the verb “kureru,” which means “to give.” You can simply drop the “-ru” and use “kure” followed by the item you want. For example, if you want to ask your sibling for the remote control, you can say “Remocon kure.”
4. Te-form + moratte ii (てもらっていい): This construction is suitable for making requests in an informal manner. By using the te-form of a verb (ending in -te) followed by “moratte ii,” you can politely ask someone to do something for you. For instance, if you want to ask your friend to lend you a book, you can say “Hon o kashite moratte ii?”

Tips and Cultural Considerations

When making requests in Japanese, it’s essential to be aware of cultural nuances and show respect to the person you are speaking to. Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind:

• Use appropriate honorific language (keigo) when speaking to someone of higher status or in formal situations. This demonstrates respect and politeness.
• Always add “o” (お) or “go” (ご) as prefixes to nouns when they are related to the person you are speaking with. For instance, “Ocha” (お茶) means “tea,” and “Gohan” (ご飯) means “meal” or “rice.”
• Observe the level of formality used by the person you are speaking with and adjust your language accordingly. It’s generally better to err on the side of being more formal.
• Polite language can also be accompanied by bowing to show additional respect.
• Remember that when expressing gratitude for someone’s action, the phrase “Arigatou gozaimasu” is commonly used.

“Mastering the art of making requests in Japanese is like unlocking a door to meaningful interactions. Politeness is highly valued, and a few well-chosen words can go a long way. So, remember to be respectful, adjust your language to the situation, and always express gratitude for the help you receive. Ganbatte kudasai!”

Now that you have learned various ways to say “please do” in Japanese, both formally and informally, you can confidently make requests in different situations. Practice using these expressions, pay attention to cultural nuances, and enjoy the journey of language learning.