How to Say ‘Please (request); I ask (politely)’ in Japanese
お願いします
o negai shi masu
[oh neh-gah-ee shee mahs]
💬 Usage Tip: [お願いします] is “I request (politely).” It can stand alone or follow a noun: [協力お願いします] (“Please cooperate”).
🇯🇵 In Japan: Ending a request with [お願いします] often feels less like a demand and more like a respectful appeal—useful when asking about quiet hours.
Phrase Breakdown
お
o
[oh]
polite prefix (honorific)
The honorific prefix added to show politeness or respect (often before nouns/verbs in set phrases like お願いします).
夜は静かにしていただけるとお願いします。
I ask that you could keep it quiet at night.
願い
negai
[neh-gah-ee]
request; favor; wish
In お願いします, 願い means a request/favor you are asking for; it softens what you want the other person to do.
音量を少し下げていただけると願いがあります。
I have a request: could you turn the volume down a little?
し
shi
[shee]
do (stem form)
The continuative/stem form of する, used to connect to polite endings like します in set phrases (お願いし＋ます).
夜遅くは音を小さくお願いしてもいいですか。
May I ask you to keep the sound low late at night?
ます
masu
[mahs]
polite verb ending (present/future)
Polite ending attached to the verb stem (します). Used to make requests sound respectful and non-confrontational.
今夜は少し静かにしていただけると助かります、お願いします。
It would help if you could be a bit quiet tonight—please.
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