How to Say ‘Please / may I ask’ in Japanese
をお願いいたします
o o negai itashi masu
[oh oh neh-guy ee-tah-shee mahss]
💬 Usage Tip: [Xをお願いいたします] is a polite way to ask for something: here, "your name, please." You can reuse it with other items, like [ご連絡先をお願いいたします] "your contact information, please."
Phrase Breakdown
を
o
[oh]
object marker
A particle marking what the action is directed toward.
お名前をお願いします。
Your name, please.
お
o
[oh]
honorific prefix
A polite prefix used before certain words to sound more respectful.
お願いいたします。
Please.
願い
negai
[neh-guy]
request; favor
This comes from 願う, to request or wish for. In this phrase it means please.
お願いがあります。
I have a request.
いたし
itashi
[ee-tah-shee]
do humbly
A humble form used in very polite speech, often in customer service.
お願いいたしますと申し上げます。
I humbly say please.
ます
masu
[mahss]
polite ending
A formal ending that makes the request polite.
確認します。
I will confirm it.
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Custom Scenarios
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation scenarios made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“Moved to Tokyo and the polite vs. casual speech levels were killing me. This app breaks it all down with real scenarios. My coworkers noticed the difference in weeks.”
Kevin Z., 31, Game Developer
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager