How to Say ‘Please’ in Japanese
お願いします
おねがいします
💬 Usage Tip: Pronounced (oh-ne-gai-shi-mas), it's literally 'I humbly request.'
🇯🇵 In Japan: Often used when asking for a service or favor politely.
Word-by-Word Breakdown
おお
[o]
polite request
A phrase used to politely ask for something.
水をお願いします。
Water, please.
願いねがい
[negai]
wish
Part of the expression to make a polite request.
願いを叶えてください。
Please grant my wish.
しし
[shi]
do
Part of the verb construction for making requests.
一緒にしませんか。
Shall we do it together?
ますます
[masu]
polite suffix
A polite sentence ending used in formal language.
伺います。
I will visit.
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