How to Say ‘Please.’ in Japanese
お願いします。
o negai shi masu
[oh neh-gai]
💬 Usage Tip: [お願いします] is a super-useful polite phrase. It can mean “please,” “that one, please,” or even “yes, please” depending on the situation. It is a tiny phrase with big power.
🇯🇵 In Japan: If you forget a longer sentence, [お願いします] can save you in many situations in Japan. It sounds polite and friendly without being stiff.
Phrase Breakdown
お
o
[oh]
honorific prefix
A polite prefix that makes the expression sound more respectful.
おをつけると、ことばがていねいになります。
Adding お makes the expression more polite.
願い
negai
[neh-gai]
request / wish
From 願い, meaning a wish or request; part of the polite phrase お願いします.
おねがいのきもちで願いしますといいます。
With a feeling of request, you say onegai shimasu.
し
shi
ます
masu
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