How to Say ‘Please; an order/request’ in Japanese
お願い
o negai
[o negai]
💬 Usage Tip: [お願い] means "please" or "my request." In a kitchen, it can sound like a brisk but friendly instruction.
🇯🇵 In Japan: Short forms like [お願い] are common in busy workplaces because they're fast but still softer than a direct command.
Phrase Breakdown
お
o
[o]
honorific prefix
A polite prefix that makes a request sound softer and more respectful.
おお願いではなく、普通はお願いしますと言います。
Instead of saying just 'o-onegai,' people normally say 'onegaishimasu.'
願い
negai
[negai]
request
From 願い, meaning a wish or request. In kitchens, it is used when asking someone to do something.
追加をお願いできますか。
Could I request an extra portion?
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