In Japanese, politeness is highly valued, and using the appropriate expressions to convey respect is crucial. One of the most essential words for expressing politeness is “please.” In this guide, we will explore various ways to say “please” in Japanese pronunciation, including both formal and informal manners. While regional variations exist, we will focus on the widely used expressions. So, let’s begin!
Table of Contents
Formal Usage:
When speaking formally or in situations requiring utmost politeness, two common ways to say “please” in Japanese are “Onegaishimasu” and “Kudasai.” Let’s examine each one in detail:
1. Onegaishimasu
“Onegaishimasu” is an all-purpose word that can be translated as “please,” “I request,” or “I ask.” It is a respectful expression used when making requests or asking for assistance. The pronunciation of “Onegaishimasu” can be divided into three parts: “O-ne-ga-i” (pronounced oh-neh-gah-ee) and “shimasu” (pronounced shee-mahss).
Example:
When entering someone’s house, you can say, “Ojamashimasu” (pronounced oh-jah-mahssh-mahss) to express “excuse me” and show respect for their space.
2. Kudasai
“Kudasai” is another term used to convey politeness when asking for something. It can be translated as “please,” “could you,” or “kindly.” The pronunciation of “Kudasai” is relatively straightforward: “Ku-da-sai” (pronounced koo-dah-sigh).
Example:
If you want to order food in a restaurant, you can say, “Kore o kudasai” (pronounced koh-ray oh koo-dah-sigh), which means “Please give me this.”
Informal Usage:
In casual situations or with close friends or family, there are alternative expressions to say “please” in a more relaxed manner. Let’s explore two commonly used informal phrases:
1. Onegai
“Onegai” is the simpler, less formal variation of “Onegaishimasu.” It has a similar meaning but is used among friends and close acquaintances. The pronunciation of “Onegai” is “O-ne-ga-i” (pronounced oh-neh-gah-ee).
Example:
If you are asking a friend to lend you a book, you can say, “Ano hon o onegai shimasu” (pronounced ah-noh hohn oh oh-neh-gah-ee shee-mahss), which means “Please lend me that book.”
2. Kudasai (Casual)
Just like its formal counterpart, “Kudasai” can also be used in an informal context with friends, but the pronunciation slightly changes. In casual speech, it may be pronounced as “Kure” or “Kuree” (pronounced koo-ray).
Example:
If you are asking your friend to pass you a pen, you can say, “Kore kuree” (pronounced koh-ray koo-ray), meaning “Please give me this pen.”
Additional Tips:
Here are a few additional tips to assist you in using “please” correctly in Japanese:
1. Tone and Respect:
Remember, the way you say “please” in Japanese depends on the level of formality and respect required for a given situation. It’s essential to adjust your tone and choice of words accordingly.
2. Bowing:
In more formal situations, consider bowing slightly while saying “please” to emphasize your respect and sincerity.
3. Body Language:
Pay attention to your body language and use polite gestures like placing your hands together in front of you or avoiding slouching when making requests.
4. “Onegai Shimasu” Beyond “Please”:
“Onegaishimasu” can also be used in other contexts, such as when expressing the intention to do something or making a humble request. It holds a broad scope of meanings and can be adapted to various situations.
Conclusion:
Mastering the proper usage of “please” in Japanese is crucial for effective communication and demonstrating respect. In this guide, we explored both formal and informal ways to say “please” in Japanese pronunciation, including phrases like “Onegaishimasu,” “Kudasai,” “Onegai,” and casual variations of “Kudasai.” Remember to adjust your tone, gestures, and level of formality based on the setting. Keep practicing and integrating these expressions into your Japanese conversations with warmth and consideration.
