How to Say ‘Please’ in Japanese
お願いします
o negai shi masu
[o negai shi masu]
💬 Usage Tip: [お願いします] is from [願う], "to request," and is used for polite requests all the time. You can attach it to many nouns too, like [水をお願いします] for "Water, please."
Phrase Breakdown
お
o
[o]
honorific prefix
A polite prefix attached to some words to make the expression more respectful.
お願いしますを丁寧に言います。
I say 'onegai shimasu' politely.
願い
negai
[negai]
request
The noun form of wishing or requesting something.
お願いしますの願いは大切な言葉です。
The 'negai' in 'onegai shimasu' is an important word.
し
shi
[shi]
do
Part of します, the polite form of 'to do.'
お願いしますとしっかり言います。
I clearly say 'onegai shimasu.'
ます
masu
[masu]
polite ending
A polite verb ending used in formal speech.
お願いしますのますは丁寧です。
The 'masu' in 'onegai shimasu' is polite.
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