How to Say ‘Please.’ in Japanese
お願いします。
o negai shi masu
[oh neh-guy shee mahs]
💬 Usage Tip: [お願いします] can mean "please," "I'd like that," or "I'm asking for your help." It's one of the most useful phrases in Japanese.
🇯🇵 In Japan: In taxis, shops, and restaurants, [お願いします] sounds natural and respectful without being stiff.
Phrase Breakdown
お
o
[oh]
honorific prefix
A polite prefix added to make the expression softer and more respectful.
お願いします。
Please.
願い
negai
[neh-guy]
request; wish
Comes from 願う, related to asking or requesting something politely.
ホテルまでお願いします。
To the hotel, please.
し
shi
[shee]
do
Part of します, the polite form of する, used in many set phrases.
よろしくお願いします。
Please treat me favorably.
ます
masu
[mahs]
polite ending
Adds politeness to the verb phrase.
お願いします。
Please.
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