How to Say ‘I request’ in Japanese
お願いします
o negai shi masu
[o]
💬 Usage Tip: お願いします is used much more broadly than just "I request" — in real life it often works like a polite "please" when ordering or asking for something. You can attach it after what you want: コーヒーお願いします.
🇯🇵 In Japan: This is one of the most useful polite phrases in Japan: natural with staff, strangers, and everyday service situations. It sounds softer and more standard than a direct command-style ください in many ordering contexts.
Phrase Breakdown
お願い
o
Words in this phrase
お
o
[o]
Please
A polite expression to make a request.
手伝いをお願いします。
Please help me.
します
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