How to Say ‘Thank you (polite).’ in Japanese
よろしくお願いします。
yoroshiku o negai shi masu
[yoh-roh-shee-koo oh neh-guy shee mahss]
💬 Usage Tip: [よろしくお願いします] is a set phrase: “Thank you in advance / I appreciate your consideration.” It’s perfect before an interview begins.
🇯🇵 In Japan: Common interview moment: after self-introduction, say [よろしくお願いします] with a bow. It signals humility and readiness to work together.
Phrase Breakdown
よろしく
yoroshiku
[yoh-roh-shee-koo]
please treat me favorably; thank you in advance
A standard set phrase in introductions and interviews. Said at the start and sometimes at the end as a polite closing.
自己紹介の後でよろしくお願いしますと言います。
After my self-introduction, I say “Thank you in advance.”
お願いします
o negai shi masu
please; I request (polite)
Polite request form of 「お願いする」. In 「よろしくお願いします」 it becomes a set phrase meaning “Nice to meet you / Thank you in advance / I appreciate your support.”
少し待ってお願いします。
Please wait a moment.
Words in this phrase
お
o
[oh]
honorific prefix (polite)
お adds politeness to the request phrase. Very common in formal Japanese.
よろしくお願いしますの『お』は丁寧です。
The “o” in “yoroshiku onegaishimasu” is polite.
願い
negai
[neh-guy]
request; favor (stem of 願う)
In this set phrase, 願い expresses “a favor/request.” It helps soften what you say and makes it polite.
面接では願いを込めて話します。
In interviews, I speak with a sincere request/hope.
し
shi
[shee]
do (verb stem of する)
し + ます makes します (polite “do/ask”). In お願いします, it becomes a polite request formula.
丁寧にしようと思います。
I intend to be polite.
ます
masu
[mahss]
polite verb ending
ます indicates polite speech. In interviews, using ます/です consistently gives a professional impression.
本日はよろしくお願いします。
Thank you in advance for today.
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