How to Say ‘Nice to meet you.’ in Japanese
よろしくお願いします。
yoroshiku o negai shi masu
[yoh-roh-shee-koo oh neh-gah-ee shee mah-soo]
💬 Usage Tip: [よろしくお願いします] is more like “Thank you in advance / I look forward to working with you.” Great for interviews.
🇯🇵 In Japan: You’ll hear this at the start and end of meetings. It signals cooperation—very important in team-based care.
Phrase Breakdown
よろしく
yoroshiku
[yoh-roh-shee-koo]
please treat me favorably / thank you in advance
Used at the start/end of an interview to show politeness and to ask for goodwill.
本日は面接の機会をいただき、よろしくお願いします。
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to interview today; I appreciate your consideration.
お願いします
o negai shi masu
please / I ask (you)
お願いする in polite form. Adds a polite request tone. Together: よろしくお願いします = a standard greeting/request in introductions.
お願いします、手伝ってください。
Please, help me.
Words in this phrase
お
o
[oh]
honorific prefix
Makes the request more polite as part of お願いします.
「お」を付けて「お願いします」と言うと丁寧です。
Adding “o-” and saying “onegaishimasu” is polite.
願い
negai
[neh-gah-ee]
request / favor
Core noun meaning “request.” In the set phrase, it expresses “please” politely.
面接では「願い」を込めて誠実に話します。
In interviews, you speak sincerely with a sense of “please / I ask for your favor.”
し
shi
[shee]
to do (stem)
Part of します in お願いします. A common polite verb form in interviews.
分かりやすく説明し、お願いしますと言います。
I explain clearly and say “onegaishimasu.”
ます
masu
[mah-soo]
polite verb ending
Keeps the phrase formal and respectful: お願いします.
面接では丁寧に「ます」を使います。
In interviews, you politely use “-masu.”
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Custom Scenarios
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation scenarios made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“Moved to Tokyo and the polite vs. casual speech levels were killing me. This app breaks it all down with real scenarios. My coworkers noticed the difference in weeks.”
Kevin Z., 31, Game Developer
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager