How to Say ‘Request; favor’ in Japanese
お願い
o negai
[oh neh-guy]
💬 Usage Tip: [お願い] comes from the verb [願う], "to wish/request." It often appears in polite set phrases like [お願いします].
🇯🇵 In Japan: In Japanese, direct requests are often softened. [お願い] has a cooperative, polite feeling rather than a demanding one.
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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