How to Say ‘Please (polite request)’ in Japanese
お願いします
o negai shi masu
[oh neh-gah-ee shee mah-soo]
💬 Usage Tip: [お願いします] is a very flexible polite request: “please,” “I’d like to ask,” or “thank you in advance.”
🇯🇵 In Japan: You’ll hear it constantly in workplaces—safe and polite in almost any situation.
Phrase Breakdown
お
o
[oh]
(honorific prefix) o-
Polite prefix added to certain words to sound more respectful (e.g., お願いします).
面接では最後におを付けて丁寧に言います。
In interviews, you add “お” and speak politely at the end.
願い
negai
[neh-gah-ee]
request; favor (as in “a request”)
From 願う (to wish/request); in お願いします it means “a request/favor,” making the phrase polite.
勤務開始日を相談したいお願いがあります。
I have a request: I’d like to discuss the start date.
し
shi
[shee]
do (connecting form)
The stem of する, used before ます to make polite verbs (します).
面接で質問には丁寧にし、はっきり答えます。
In interviews, answer questions politely and clearly.
ます
masu
[mah-soo]
polite verb ending “-masu”
Makes a verb polite (e.g., します, 働けます); standard in job interviews.
面接では敬語で話します。
In interviews, you speak in polite language.
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