How to Say ‘Please’ in Japanese
お願いします
o negai shi masu
[oh neh-gai shee mahss]
💬 Usage Tip: [お願いします] often means more than just "please" — in service situations it's closer to "that, please" or "please do that." You'll hear it constantly when confirming a choice or request.
Phrase Breakdown
お
o
[oh]
honorific prefix
Adds politeness to the request expression.
お願いします、ここで止めてください。
Please, stop here.
願い
negai
[neh-gai]
request
Core noun meaning request or favor.
お願いしますと丁寧に言いました。
I politely said, 'Please.'
し
shi
[shee]
do
Part of します, the polite form of 'do,' used in set requests.
お願いしますので、少し待ってください。
Since I'm asking, please wait a moment.
ます
masu
[mahss]
polite verb ending
Completes the polite request phrase.
お願いします。
Please.
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