How to Say ‘Please.’ in Japanese
お願いします。
o negai shi masu
[oh neh-guy shee mahss]
💬 Usage Tip: [お願いします] is a very flexible "please" for asking for a service or request, not just for handing someone an object. You can swap in what you want before it: [お水をお願いします], [タクシーをお願いします].
Phrase Breakdown
お
o
[oh]
honorific prefix
The polite prefix お makes the request sound softer and more respectful.
おお願いします、急いでいます。
Please, I’m in a hurry.
願い
negai
[neh-guy]
wish / request
This comes from 願う, to wish or request. In お願いします it expresses “please.”
お願いします、これをください。
Please, I’ll take this.
し
shi
[shee]
do
Part of します, the polite form of する, to do. It helps form the request expression.
お願いします、写真を撮ってください。
Please, take a photo.
ます
masu
[mahss]
polite ending
This polite ending completes the phrase お願いします.
お願いします、もう一度言ってください。
Please, say it one more time.
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