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] is a super useful phrase meaning 'please,' 'I request it,' or 'go ahead,' depending on context. A true Japanese multitool.
🇯🇵 In Japan: You will hear [お願いします] in shops, offices, restaurants, sports clubs, and emails. It is one of the most useful polite expressions in Japan.
Phrase Breakdown
お
o
[oh]
honorific prefix
A polite prefix added to some words to make them more respectful.
おをつけて丁寧に言います。
You add o to say it politely.
願い
negai
[neh-gai]
wish; request
Comes from 願う, to wish or request. In お願いします it helps form a polite request.
お願いを聞きました。
I listened to the request.
し
shi
[shee]
do
From する, to do. Here it is part of the polite request expression お願いします.
宿題をしないでください。
Please do not do the homework.
ます
masu
[mahss]
polite verb ending
Makes a verb polite and formal.
お願いしますのますは丁寧な言い方です。
The masu in onegaishimasu makes it polite.
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