How to Say ‘Please (I request)’ in Japanese
お願いします
おねがいします
💬 Usage Tip: [お願いします] is a super-flexible “please.” You’ll hear it after requests, orders, introductions, and even as “Yes, that one please.” Common combo: [よろしくお願いします].
🇯🇵 In Japan: Saying [お願いします] sounds cooperative and humble—very Japanese. Customers often say it to staff when ordering, and coworkers say it to smooth teamwork.
Word-by-Word Breakdown
おお
[o]
honorific prefix (polite)
An honorific prefix added to some words to sound more polite. In 「お願いします」, it helps make the request more respectful.
これからもおねがいします。
Please continue to support/help me.
願いねがい
[negai]
request; wish; favor (as in “a request”)
From the verb 「願う」 (to wish/request). In 「お願いします」 it refers to “my request/favor,” making the whole phrase a polite “please.”
おねがいをきいてください。
Please listen to my request.
しし
[shi]
do (connecting form)
The stem of 「する」 used to build polite verb forms. Here it connects 「願い」 to 「ます」 to form 「お願いします」.
しつもんしてもいいですか。
May I ask a question?
ますます
[masu]
polite verb ending (-masu)
A polite ending attached to a verb stem to make formal, polite speech. Common in self-introductions and first meetings.
まいにちにほんごをべんきょうします。
I study Japanese every day.
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