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How to Say ‘Please.’ in Japanese

お願いします。

o negai shi masu

[oh neh-gai shee mahss]

💬 Usage Tip: [お願いします] is a super-polite request phrase. It can mean "please," but also carries the feeling of "I am asking for your help."

🇯🇵 In Japan: This phrase is a politeness superstar in Japan. You can use it in taxis, restaurants, hotels, and many other situations.

Phrase Breakdown

o

[oh]

honorific prefix

Adds politeness to the request expression お願いします.

Example

お願いします。

Please.

願い

negai

[neh-gai]

request; favor

Core noun related to asking for something politely.

Example

お願いします。

Please.

shi

[shee]

do

Part of します in this polite request phrase.

Example

お願いします。

Please.

ます

masu

[mahss]

polite verb ending

The polite ending in します.

Example

お願いします。

Please.

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