How to Say ‘Please’ in Japanese
お願いします
o negai shi masu
[o negai shi masu]
💬 Usage Tip: [お願いします] literally has more of a "I'm asking for this" feel than just plain "please," so it works very naturally after what you want: [コーヒーを一つお願いします]. You can reuse it with lots of requests, like [ミルクだけお願いします].
Phrase Breakdown
お
o
[o]
honorific prefix
A polite prefix used in respectful expressions such as お願いします.
お水をお願いします。
Water, please.
願い
negai
[negai]
request; wish
From 願い, meaning a request or wish; part of お願いします.
願いを伝えます。
I convey a request.
し
shi
[shi]
do
The verb stem of する, used here in the polite request phrase お願いします.
確認します。
I confirm it.
ます
masu
[masu]
polite verb ending
A polite ending attached to verbs in formal speech.
お願いしますと言います。
I say, “Please.”
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