How to Say ‘Please’ in Japanese
おねがいします
o negai shi masu
[oh neh-guy shee mahss]
💬 Usage Tip: [おねがいします] is a polite [please], often used when asking for help, service, or cooperation.
🇯🇵 In Japan: It is softer and more respectful than a direct command, which is important with strangers.
Phrase Breakdown
お
o
[oh]
honorific prefix
A polite prefix added to make certain words sound more respectful.
おみずをください。
Please give me water.
ねがい
negai
[neh-guy]
request; wish
The noun part of おねがいします, related to asking or requesting something.
おねがいがあります。
I have a request.
し
shi
[shee]
do
The verb stem of します, used in many common polite expressions.
しつもんをします。
I ask a question.
ます
masu
[mahss]
polite ending
A polite verb ending used in formal requests and statements.
よろしくおねがいします。
Please treat me favorably./Thank you in advance.
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