How to Say ‘Please.’ in Japanese
お願いします。
o negai shi masu
[oh neh-gai shee mahss]
🇯🇵 In Japan: [お願いします。] is one of the most useful polite phrases in Japan because it can cover "yes, please," "please do that," or "I'll take it," depending on context. In service situations it sounds natural and softer than a direct command-style "please."
Phrase Breakdown
お
o
[oh]
honorific prefix
Polite prefix often attached to words to make the expression more respectful.
お願いします。
Please.
願い
negai
[neh-gai]
request; wish
From 願い, related to asking or requesting something politely.
配達をお願いします。
Please arrange the delivery.
し
shi
[shee]
do
Verb stem of する, used in many polite set phrases.
確認します。
I will confirm it.
ます
masu
[mahss]
polite verb ending
Adds politeness and formality to the verb.
よろしくお願いします。
Thank you in advance / Please treat me favorably.
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