How to Say ‘Could you please do that?’ in Japanese
お願いできますか
o negai deki masu ka
[oh neh-gai deh-kee mahss kah]
💬 Usage Tip: [お願いできますか] is a polite way to ask "could you do that for me?" It's softer than a direct command, and works after many requests: [確認お願いできますか] = "Could you check?"
Phrase Breakdown
お
o
[oh]
honorific prefix
A polite prefix that makes the expression softer and more respectful.
お願いできますかと聞きました。
I asked, 'Could you please do it?'
願い
negai
[neh-gai]
request
From 願い, meaning a request or favor; used in polite asking.
お願いできますか、ここで待ってください。
Could I ask a favor—please wait here.
でき
deki
[deh-kee]
can do
Shows ability or possibility; in requests it means 'would you be able to.'
少し移動できませんか。
Would you be able to move a little?
ます
masu
[mahss]
polite verb ending
Standard polite ending attached to the verb.
お願いできますか。
Would that be possible, please?
か
ka
[kah]
question marker
Turns the polite request into a question.
お願いできますか。
Could you please do that?
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