How to say “Please” in Japanese!

In any language, politeness and respect are key elements of effective communication. The concept of “please” is conveyed through various words and expressions that reflect the culture’s strong emphasis on politeness and humility in Japanese.

In this article, we’ll explore different ways to say “please” in Japanese and delve into their nuances to help you navigate the complexities of Japanese etiquette.

ください (Kudasai)

“ください” (kudasai) is perhaps the most common and straightforward way to say “please” in Japanese. It is added to the end of a request or command to make it more polite. You can easily create phrases like “please give me _____” by doing “＿＿＿＿をください。” (o kudasai). You would put the object you want someone to give you in the blank!

お水みずをください。 (Omizu o kudasai.)

Translation: Please give me some water.

お願ねがいします (Onegaishimasu)

“お願ねがいします” (onegaishimasu) is a versatile phrase that can be used in various contexts. It’s a polite way to make requests, offer thanks, or express desire, and it’s considered one of the most polite expressions in Japanese.

お願ねがいします、教おしえてください。 (Onegaishimasu, oshiete kudasai.)

Translation: Please, tell me.

資料のチェックを、お願いします。(Shiryou no chekku o, onegaishimasu)

Translation: Please check the materials.

お願ねがい (Onegai)

“お願ねが” (onegai) is the casual form of the previous word! It’s an informal way to ask for something. You might hear a kid ask their parents for candy or when friends are doing each other favors.

お願ねがい、お菓子買って。 (Onegai, okashikatte.)

Translation: Please, buy some candy.

お手数てすうをおかけします (Otesuu o okake shimasu)

When you want to apologize for inconveniencing someone while making a request, “お手数てすうをおかけします” (otesuu o okake shimasu) is a polite way to do so. It acknowledges the potential burden of your request. The kanji 手数 which forms this phrase means “hand” and “number”, so it represents that it uses “many hands” to do the task.

お手数てすうをおかけしますが、お名前なまえを教おしえていただけますか？ (Otesuu o okake shimasu ga, onamae o oshiete itadakemasu ka?)

Translation: I’m sorry for the trouble, but could you please tell me your name?

してもらえますか (Shite moraemasu ka)“

してもらえますか” (shite moraemasu ka) is a polite way to ask if someone can do something for you. It combines the request with politeness.

お手伝てつだいしてもらえますか？ (Otetsudaii shite moraemasu ka?)

Translation: Could you please help me?

よろしくお願ねがいします (Yoroshiku onegaishimasu)

When you ask someone for a favor or assistance and want to express gratitude in advance, this phrase is perfect. It’s a polite way to say “please” while also indicating your trust and cooperation.

明日あしたの会議かいぎの資料しりょうを送おくっていただけると助たすかります。よろしくお願ねがいします。 (Ashita no kaigi no shiryou o okutte itadakeru to tasukarimasu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.)

Translation: It would be a great help if you could send the meeting materials for tomorrow. Thank you in advance.

どうぞ (Douzo)

“どうぞ” (douzo) is a polite word for offering something to someone or inviting them to do something. While it doesn’t directly mean “please,” it is often used in situations where “please” would be used in English.

どうぞ。座すわってください。 (Douzo. Suwatte kudasai.)

Translation: Please, have a seat.

お願ねがい申もうし上あげます (Onegaishimasu mooshiagemasu)

This is an extremely polite and formal way to make a request. Japanese people use this in written communication or formal spoken contexts, such as business meetings or ceremonial occasions.

それでは当日とうじつ、よろしくお願ねがい申もうし上あげます。 (Soredewa toujitsu, yoroshiku onegai moushi agemasu)

Translation: Very well, we ask for your cooperation please on the appointed day. Note that there is no pronoun here so it would be based on context.

Politeness and respect are deeply ingrained in Japanese culture. You should be mindful to use appropriate expressions for “please” for effective communication.

Your choice should reflect the level of politeness and formality required by the situation. This kind of understanding of formality and politeness can be difficult for Japanese learners. I recommend that you learn by watching other Japanese people in real life or through media like videos, movies, and T.V. shows!

By mastering these phrases, you’ll not only navigate Japanese etiquette gracefully but also enhance your ability to build positive relationships in both personal and professional settings. Make sure to check out other Japanese learning articles like Happy in Japanese or Express Sadness in Japanese!

Let me know if you have any questions!

~ Tanuki