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 super-useful polite request. With [よろしく], it becomes a set phrase, not a literal “request.”
🇯🇵 In Japan: Saying [お願いします] with a slight bow shows humility—valued in caregiving workplaces.
Phrase Breakdown
お
o
[oh]
honorific prefix
Polite prefix added to certain words (like 願い) to make the expression more respectful.
面接では「お」を付けて、お願いしますと言うと丁寧です。
In interviews, adding “o-” and saying “onegaishimasu” is polite.
願い
negai
[neh-gah-ee]
request / favor
From 願い (negai), meaning a request or favor. In お願いします, it becomes a polite request.
面接の前に「お願い」を込めて丁寧に話します。
Before the interview, you speak politely with a sense of “please / I ask for your favor.”
し
shi
[shee]
to do (stem)
Part of します (shimasu). Used to form polite verbs and set phrases in interviews.
面接では自己紹介をし、経験を説明します。
In the interview, I introduce myself and explain my experience.
ます
masu
[mah-soo]
polite verb ending
Polite ending used in verbs like します. Helps keep your speech formal in a job interview.
面接では「ます」を使って丁寧に答えます。
In interviews, you answer politely using “-masu.”
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