How to Say ‘Request; favor’ in Japanese
お願い
o negai
[oh neh-guy]
💬 Usage Tip: In [お願いします], the [お願い] part comes from a noun meaning a request or favor. You'll also see it in set phrases like [お願いがあります。] for "I have a request."
Phrase Breakdown
お
o
[oh]
honorific prefix
A polite prefix added to make expressions softer and more respectful.
おをつけると、お願いが丁寧に聞こえます。
Adding o makes onegai sound more polite.
願い
negai
[neh-guy]
request; favor
Refers to asking someone politely for something.
お願いをするときは、やさしく言います。
When making a request, you say it gently.
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