How to Say ‘Please.’ in Japanese
お願いします。
o negai shi masu
[oh neh-gai shee mahss]
🇯🇵 In Japan: This is one of the most useful all-purpose polite phrases in Japan. In reservations, it often means "that's my request" rather than a literal "please," especially after stating a preference like [窓側でお願いします。]
Phrase Breakdown
お
o
[oh]
honorific prefix
Adds politeness to the request expression お願いします.
お水をお願いします。
Water, please.
願い
negai
[neh-gai]
request; favor
The noun part of お願いします, used when politely asking for something.
窓側を願いします。
Please give us the window side.
し
shi
[shee]
do
Part of します, the polite verb used in many service expressions.
予約をします。
I will make a reservation.
ます
masu
[mahss]
polite verb ending
Makes the verb polite, suitable for speaking to restaurant staff.
確認します。
I will confirm it.
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