How do you say "Please / I ask for your help" in Japanese?

"Please / I ask for your help" in Japanese is "お願いします". This phrase is commonly used in Japan.

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How to Say ‘Please / I ask for your help’ in Japanese

Q: What does "お願いします" mean in English?

"お願いします" means "Please / I ask for your help" in English. Usage tip: [お願いします] comes from [お願い] (a request/favor) + [します] (do). It is a super useful polite phrase for asking, receiving, or saying “please.” The feeling changes with context: “please,” “go ahead,” or “I’m in your care.”

お願いします

o negai shi masu

[oh neh-gai shee mahss]

💬 Usage Tip: [お願いします] comes from [お願い] (a request/favor) + [します] (do). It is a super useful polite phrase for asking, receiving, or saying “please.” The feeling changes with context: “please,” “go ahead,” or “I’m in your care.”

🇯🇵 In Japan: In Japan, [お願いします] is everywhere: when ordering, starting a lesson, asking a favor, or even before a match. It sounds soft and cooperative, which fits the culture of polite teamwork.

Phrase Breakdown

お

[oh]

honorific prefix

A polite prefix added to some words to make them more respectful.

Example

お茶を飲みます。

I drink tea.

願い

negai

[neh-gai]

wish; request

This part comes from a word meaning a wish, hope, or request.

Example

お願いがあります。

I have a request.

し

shi

[shee]

This is the stem of the verb suru, used here to mean doing the request expression politely.

Example

勉強をします。

I study.

ます

masu

[mahss]

polite verb ending

A common polite ending used with verbs in everyday formal Japanese.

Example

毎朝、歩きます。

I walk every morning.

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