How to Say ‘A request / favor’ in Japanese
お願い
o negai
[oh neh-gah-ee]
💬 Usage Tip: [お願い] is “a request.” You’ll hear it in set phrases like [お願いできますか].
🇯🇵 In Japan: [お願い] is everywhere in service/care settings. It signals politeness and teamwork—important in caregiver workplaces.
Phrase Breakdown
お
o
[oh]
(honorific prefix) o-
Polite prefix added to certain words to make them more respectful (お願い, お電話).
おお願いできますか。
Could I ask a favor?
願い
negai
[neh-gah-ee]
request; favor (negai)
願い means a request/wish. In polite speech, it appears in お願い (a request/favor).
シフトの希望をお願いできますか。
Could I ask you about your shift preferences?
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