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How to Say ‘Please’ in Japanese

お願いします

おねがいします

💬 Usage Tip: A polite form of request that ends many sentences in Japanese.

🇯🇵 In Japan: [お願いします] (oh-neh-gai shee-mas) is often heard with requests and adds a soft tone.

Word-by-Word Breakdown

[o]

Please

Used to make requests politely.

Example

水をお願いします。

Please give me water.

願いねがい

[negai]

negai

From the verb 'negau' meaning to wish.

Example

水をお願いします。

Please give me water.

[shi]

do

Part of the verb meaning to do the favor.

Example

水をお願いします。

Please give me water.

ますます

[masu]

masu

A polite verb ending.

Example

水をお願いします。

Please give me water.

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