How to Say ‘Please’ in Japanese
お願いします。
o negai shi masu
[oh neh-gai shee mahs]
💬 Usage Tip: お願いします is a very flexible polite request, not just a literal please. You can attach it to many things: 水をお願いします。 for asking for water, or 肩をお願いします。 when you want work on your shoulders.
Phrase Breakdown
お
o
[oh]
honorific prefix
A polite prefix added to make the expression more respectful.
お願いします、と丁寧に言います。
I say 'please' politely.
願い
negai
[neh-gai]
request
From the verb meaning to wish or request; here it forms part of a polite request.
お願いがあります。
I have a request.
し
shi
[shee]
do
Part of the verb します, meaning to do. Here it helps form a polite request expression.
お願いします。
Please.
ます
masu
[mahs]
polite verb ending
A polite present/future ending used in many standard expressions.
お願いします、と言います。
I say 'please.'
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