Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| お願いします | o-negai shimasu | [o̞ne̞ɡa̠i ɕima̠sɨ̥] (narrow) |
| …ください | …kudasái |
Japanese uses different words for 'please' depending on whether you are requesting an object, an action or offering something to another person. お願いします and …ください are used to make requests, while どうぞ is used when offering something or inviting someone to do something. In specific social contexts, such as asking someone to treat you well or do their best, よろしく can also function as a way to say 'please'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase お願いします literally translates to 'I do a request' or 'I make a request'.
Which one should you use?
…ください is used after a noun or a verb in the -te form to request a specific object or an action. お願いします is a more polite and formal version of …ください. For very informal situations with friends or close acquaintances, you can use the shortened version お願い.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To use …ください, place it after a noun or a verb that has been conjugated into the -te form to request an object or an action.
How do you pronounce it?
o-negai shimasu
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the English word 'please' while speaking Japanese. Instead, choose between お願いします and …ください depending on your specific context.
When do people say it?
The word 喜ばす is a related verb meaning to make happy or satisfy.
Did you know?
- The verb root in お願いします, 'negau', shares a semantic connection to the concept of 'wishing' or 'praying' for something to happen.
- When asking for a favor that is an imposition, Japanese speakers often avoid a direct 'please' and instead use phrases that express hesitation. This ensures the request does not seem too demanding or aggressive.
- In very casual settings, お願い is often accompanied by a gesture such as putting one's hands together in a prayer-like position. This visual cue reinforces the 'imploring' nature of the request.
Examples in context
- 勘定お願いします。The check, please.This example shows how to use お願いします to ask for the check.Tatoeba #5112 by bunbuku, translation #1710 by brauliobezerra
- 魚をお願いします。Fish, please.This example shows how to use お願いします to request fish.Tatoeba #182092 by small_snow, translation #19342 by CK
- 修理お願いします。Please fix this.This example shows how to use お願いします to ask for a repair.Tatoeba #13470014 by bunbuku, translation #54929 by CK
- 249 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki asks Hiroto to pass her the salt.
- 美咲 Misaki塩をお願いします。Shio o onegaishimasu.The salt, please.
- 大翔 Hirotoはい、どうぞ。Hai, douzo.Yes, here you go.
- 美咲 Misakiありがとうございます。Arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you.
- 大翔 Hirotoいいえ。Iie.You're welcome.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “please” translations and entries お願いします, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
