Explanation at your level:
Hello! おねがいします (onegai shimasu) is a super important word in Japanese. It means 'Please!' You use it when you want to ask someone to do something for you, like asking your mom to pass you a toy. It's a polite way to ask for help or a favor. Think of it as your magic word when you need something!
Imagine you are at a shop and want a candy. You can point and say 'Onegai shimasu!' It's like saying 'Please, can I have this?' It shows you are being nice and respectful. You can use it with friends, family, and people you don't know very well. It's always a good idea to use onegai shimasu when you ask for something!
おねがいします (onegai shimasu) is a fundamental Japanese phrase that translates to 'Please.' It's used when making a request or asking for a favor. For example, if you want someone to give you something, you can say, '[Item name] o onegai shimasu.' This is a polite and common way to ask for things.
You'll hear this phrase very often in daily life. When ordering food, buying something, or asking for directions, onegai shimasu is the polite way to preface your request. It's more than just 'please'; it conveys a sense of earnest appeal. Using it correctly will make your Japanese sound much more natural and respectful.
おねがいします (onegai shimasu) is a versatile interjection in Japanese, meaning 'Please' when making a request or asking for a favor. It's a standard polite expression suitable for most social interactions. You can use it on its own after stating what you need, or as part of a longer sentence, often following a verb in the '-te' form with 'kudasai'.
For instance, when asking someone to do a task, you might say, '[Task description] shite kudasai, onegai shimasu.' (Please do [task]). It's also commonly used when receiving service, like at a restaurant: 'Ocha o onegai shimasu' (I'd like some tea, please). Understanding the context is key, as it can range from a simple request to entrusting someone with a task.
おねがいします (onegai shimasu) is a cornerstone of polite Japanese communication, functioning as a versatile 'Please.' Its usage extends beyond simple requests; it implies a polite appeal for the listener's cooperation or action. While often used standalone after stating a need (e.g., 'Migi ni magatte kudasai. Onegai shimasu' - 'Please turn right. I ask you.'), it can also form the core of more complex polite expressions.
Consider the common collocation Yoroshiku onegai shimasu, which carries a wide range of meanings from 'Nice to meet you' to 'I'm counting on you.' The register of onegai shimasu is generally polite standard Japanese (teineigo). While a casual version exists (onegai), onegai shimasu is appropriate in most situations, including business and interactions with strangers. Its nuance lies in conveying respect and acknowledging the potential imposition of the request.
おねがいします (onegai shimasu) serves as a fundamental polite request marker in Japanese. Its formal structure, derived from the verb negau (to wish/request) with honorifics and the polite verb suru, positions it as a standard polite expression (teineigo). Beyond a simple 'please,' it embodies an appeal for the listener's voluntary cooperation, acknowledging social dynamics and potential imposition.
Its application is broad, ranging from transactional requests ('Kore o kudasai. Onegai shimasu' - 'I'll take this. Please.') to more nuanced social contexts. The related phrase Yoroshiku onegai shimasu exemplifies its flexibility, adapting its meaning based on context, such as initial greetings, task delegation, or future arrangements. Understanding the subtle shifts in meaning and appropriate usage across different social strata and situations is crucial for advanced fluency.
おねがいします (onegai shimasu), a polysyllabic interjection, represents a sophisticated expression of request in Japanese, rooted in the verb negau (to wish, desire, request). The construction 'o-negai-shimasu' incorporates an honorific prefix ('o-') and the polite '-masu' form of suru ('shimasu'), signifying a humble yet clear appeal. Its pragmatic function is to solicit the listener's goodwill and action, operating within the intricate framework of Japanese politeness (keigo).
While its core meaning is 'please,' its semantic range is remarkably wide, influenced heavily by context, intonation, and accompanying gestures. It forms the basis of highly conventionalized phrases like Yoroshiku onegai shimasu, whose interpretation can vary dramatically from professional delegation ('I entrust this to you') to personal introductions ('I look forward to working with you'). Mastery involves not only recognizing its presence but also discerning its precise illocutionary force and social implications in diverse communicative scenarios, from everyday service encounters to formal business negotiations.
Wort in 30 Sekunden
- A fundamental Japanese phrase for 'Please'.
- Used for making requests and asking favors politely.
- Essential in daily life, service interactions, and business.
- Has variations for different politeness levels and contexts.
Hey there! Let's dive into the super useful Japanese phrase おねがいします (onegai shimasu). This isn't just a word; it's your go-to for politeness when you need something. Think of it as the Japanese equivalent of 'please' when you're asking for a favor, making a request, or even when you're about to hand something over to someone, like at a shop counter. It's incredibly versatile and shows respect for the person you're talking to.
The core meaning revolves around making a request or asking for a favor. It's the polite way to say 'I'm asking you to do this for me.' You'll hear it constantly in everyday life in Japan, whether you're asking a friend to pass the salt, a shopkeeper to wrap an item, or a colleague to help with a task. Mastering this phrase will instantly make your interactions in Japanese smoother and more respectful.
It's important to note that onegai shimasu is more than just a simple 'please.' It carries a nuance of earnestness and a genuine appeal for the other person's goodwill. It's the bridge that connects your need with their willingness to help. So, when you use it, you're not just stating a desire; you're politely inviting cooperation and acknowledging the effort the other person might undertake.
The phrase おねがいします (onegai shimasu) has a fascinating origin rooted in the Japanese verb 願う (negau), which means 'to wish' or 'to desire.' The 'o' at the beginning is an honorific prefix, adding a layer of politeness. So, literally, it's like saying 'I humbly wish for this.' The 'shimasu' part comes from the verb する (suru), meaning 'to do,' used here in its polite '-masu' form.
Historically, expressing wishes and desires politely was crucial in Japanese social interactions. The evolution of onegai shimasu reflects this. It developed from more formal expressions of wishing into the widely used, polite request form we know today. Think about how 'please' in English evolved from older forms; Japanese did something similar, refining its politeness markers.
This phrase is deeply embedded in Japanese culture, where showing consideration for others is paramount. It's not just about the words themselves but the intention behind them. The historical context of social hierarchy and the importance of maintaining harmony likely played a significant role in shaping onegai shimasu into such a fundamental part of polite communication. It's a linguistic tool honed over centuries to facilitate smooth social exchanges.
You'll find おねがいします (onegai shimasu) used in countless everyday situations. It's your go-to when asking for anything, from a simple favor like 'Could you pass the soy sauce, please?' (醤油を取ってください、おねがいします - Shoyu o totte kudasai, onegai shimasu) to more significant requests. It's also used when you're about to receive something, like when ordering food or buying something at a store. The shopkeeper might say it after you've paid, indicating they are proceeding with your order or transaction.
Common collocations include using it with verbs in the て-form (te-form) followed by ください (kudasai), like 〜てください (~te kudasai), which means 'please do ~'. For example, 読んでください (yonde kudasai - please read). However, onegai shimasu can often stand alone or follow a request. You might also hear variations like どうぞ、おねがいします (douzo, onegai shimasu), which adds an extra layer of politeness, like 'Please, go ahead.' or 'I kindly ask.'
On a formality scale, onegai shimasu sits comfortably in the polite, standard register. It's appropriate for most situations unless you're in a very casual setting with close friends, where a simpler おねがい (onegai) might suffice, or an extremely formal setting requiring more elaborate keigo (honorific language). It's a safe and effective choice for learners and native speakers alike.
While おねがいします (onegai shimasu) itself is a standard phrase, it's part of many common expressions and interactions. It's less about being in idioms and more about its ubiquitous presence in polite requests.
1. 〜をお願いします (~ o onegai shimasu): This is the most fundamental pattern. It means 'I request ~' or 'Please give me ~.' Example: コーヒーをお願いします (Koohii o onegai shimasu) - 'Coffee, please.'
2. おねがい！ (Onegai!): This is a casual, shortened version, often used among friends or family, especially by younger people. It's like a quick 'Please!' Example: 貸して、おねがい！ (Kashite, onegai!) - 'Lend it to me, please!'
3. ひとつお願いします (Hitotsu onegai shimasu): Literally 'One, please.' Used when ordering a single item. Example: ビールをひとつお願いします (Biiru o hitotsu onegai shimasu) - 'A beer, please.'
4. よろしくおねがいします (Yoroshiku onegai shimasu): This is a very common and important phrase, often used when entrusting someone with a task or introducing yourself. It has many nuances but often implies 'Please take care of it,' 'I'm counting on you,' or 'Nice to meet you.' Example: 明日までに仕上げます。よろしくおねがいします (Ashita made ni shiagemasu. Yoroshiku onegai shimasu) - 'I'll finish it by tomorrow. I'm counting on you.'
5. ご検討お願いします (Gokentou onegai shimasu): A more formal request meaning 'Please consider it.' Often used in business contexts. Example: この提案をご検討お願いします (Kono teian o gokentou onegai shimasu) - 'Please consider this proposal.'
おねがいします (onegai shimasu) is an interjection, functioning as a complete polite request. It doesn't conjugate like a verb, but its components are derived from grammar. The 'o' is an honorific prefix, and 'shimasu' is the polite '-masu' form of the verb 'suru' (to do). The base word is 'negai' (wish/request), from the verb 'negau' (to wish).
Pronunciation is key! Break it down: O - NE - GAI - SHI - MA - SU. Each syllable gets a relatively even stress, though the 'GAI' might have a slight emphasis. The 'shi' sound is like the English 'she', and 'su' is like 'sue' but with a softer 'u' sound, almost like just 's'. The Japanese 'r' sound in 'negai' is a flap, similar to the 'tt' in the American English word 'butter'.
IPA for おねがいします is roughly /o̞ne̞ɡa̠i ɕi̥ma̠sɯ̥/. In British English, it might sound like 'oh-neh-guy shee-mahss', and in American English, 'oh-neh-guy shee-mahss'. Common pronunciation errors for learners include making the 'u' sound too strong in 'su' or mispronouncing the 'shi' sound. Rhyming words are tricky in Japanese as it's syllable-timed, but words ending in '-ai' like 'akai' (red) share a similar vowel sound in the final syllable.
Fun Fact
The phrase is so fundamental that it's often used even when the 'request' is simply to receive something, like handing over change at a store.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'oh-neh-guy shi-mahss', with the final 'ss' sound being quite soft.
Sounds like 'oh-neh-guy shee-mahss', with the 'u' in 'shimasu' often being very lightly pronounced or almost silent.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing 'shi' as 'shee' with a hard 'ee' sound.
- Over-emphasizing the final 'u' in 'shimasu'.
- Incorrect stress pattern, placing too much emphasis on the wrong syllable.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to recognize, understanding nuance takes practice.
Easy to use in basic forms, complex variations require study.
Easy to pronounce basic form, natural flow takes practice.
Easy to hear and recognize.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Fortgeschritten
Grammar to Know
Te-form Verbs
食べてください (tabete kudasai) - Please eat.
Direct Object Marker 'を'
水をください (mizu o kudasai) - Please give me water.
Politeness Levels (Keigo)
Understanding the difference between plain form, teineigo, and kenjougo.
Examples by Level
みず、おねがいします。
water, please.
Basic noun + おねがいします
これ、おねがいします。
This, please.
Pronoun + おねがいします
ありがとう、おねがいします。
Thank you, please.
Expression + おねがいします
ちょっと、おねがいします。
A little, please.
Adverb + おねがいします
はい、おねがいします。
Yes, please.
Affirmative + おねがいします
おかし、おねがいします。
Sweets, please.
Noun + おねがいします
おてつだい、おねがいします。
Help, please.
Noun + おねがいします
ゆっくり、おねがいします。
Slowly, please.
Adverb + おねがいします
すみません、駅までお願いします。
Excuse me, to the station please.
Destination + まで + おねがいします
このパンをください。お願いします。
This bread, please give me. Please.
Object + を + ください. おねがいします.
コーヒーを一つお願いします。
Coffee, one, please.
Item + を + Counter + おねがいします
少々お待ちください。お願いします。
Please wait a moment. Please.
Verb (te-form) + ください. おねがいします.
地図を書いてお願いします。
A map, draw please.
Object + を + Verb (stem) + て + おねがいします
これはいくらですか？お願いします。
How much is this? Please.
Question + おねがいします
明日の天気予報をお願いします。
Tomorrow's weather forecast, please.
Noun phrase + を + おねがいします
静かにしてください。お願いします。
Please be quiet. Please.
Verb (te-form) + ください. おねがいします.
この件につきまして、ご検討いただけますようお願い申し上げます。
Regarding this matter, I humbly ask that you consider it.
Formal request structure, using いただけますよう + お願い申し上げます (more humble).
お忙しいところ恐縮ですが、資料の送付をお願いできますでしょうか。
I apologize for bothering you when you are busy, but could you please send the documents?
Polite inquiry structure using 〜ていただけますでしょうか.
来週の会議の件、よろしくお願いいたします。
Regarding next week's meeting, I'm counting on you / please take care of it.
Contextual use of よろしくお願いいたします.
このデザインでお願いします。
With this design, please. (Meaning: I choose this design.)
Noun phrase + で + おねがいします (used for selection).
もしよろしければ、手伝っていただけないでしょうか。お願いします。
If it's alright, could you possibly help me? Please.
Conditional clause + Polite request + おねがいします.
予約の確認をお願いします。
Please confirm the reservation.
Noun phrase + の + 確認 (confirmation) + を + おねがいします.
この料理のおすすめは何ですか？お願いします。
What is your recommendation for this dish? Please.
Question + おねがいします (used when asking for advice).
後ほどご連絡いたします。よろしくお願いします。
I will contact you later. Thank you in advance / Please look forward to it.
Future action + よろしくお願いします.
この度は貴重なご意見をいただき、誠にありがとうございます。今後の参考にさせていただきます。
Thank you very much for your valuable feedback on this occasion. We will use it for future reference.
Implied request for continued feedback or cooperation.
ご多忙の折とは存じますが、本件につきまして、早急なご対応をお願いできますでしょうか。
I know you are very busy, but regarding this matter, could I possibly ask for your prompt attention?
Highly polite request using 〜ていただけますでしょうか and formal vocabulary.
今回のプロジェクト成功のため、皆様のご協力をお願い申し上げます。
For the success of this project, I humbly ask for everyone's cooperation.
Formal appeal for cooperation using 〜お願い申し上げます.
詳細については、別途担当者よりご連絡させますので、今しばらくお待ちください。
Regarding the details, the person in charge will contact you separately, so please wait a little longer.
Implied request for patience and understanding.
この度の件、何卒よろしくお願い申し上げます。
Regarding this matter, I sincerely ask for your kind consideration/cooperation.
Very formal closing, emphasizing the request.
もし差し支えなければ、この資料をレビューしていただけないでしょうか。
If it is not inconvenient, would you be able to review this document?
Conditional request using 〜ていただけないでしょうか.
期限厳守でお願いします。
Please adhere strictly to the deadline.
Direct but polite imperative request.
この問題の解決にご協力をお願いいたします。
We ask for your cooperation in solving this problem.
Request for cooperation using 〜ご協力をお願いいたします.
貴社ますますご清栄のこととお慶び申し上げます。さて、この度弊社より新製品をご提案させて頂きたく、ご検討いただけますと幸甚に存じます。
We are delighted to hear of your company's continued prosperity. Now, we would like to propose a new product from our company, and we would be most grateful if you would consider it.
Highly formal opening and request structure, using 〜させて頂きたく and 〜幸甚に存じます.
本件につきましては、詳細な調査の上、改めてご報告申し上げますので、今しばらくお時間を頂戴できますでしょうか。
Regarding this matter, after a detailed investigation, I will report back to you again, so could I possibly have a little more time?
Formal request for time, using 〜頂戴できますでしょうか.
ご期待に沿えるよう全力を尽くしますので、今後とも変わらぬご支援を賜りますようお願い申し上げます。
I will do my utmost to meet your expectations, and therefore, I humbly ask for your continued support.
Formal closing, requesting sustained support using 〜賜りますようお願い申し上げます.
この度の異例の事態に対し、皆様のご理解とご協力を切にお願い申し上げる次第です。
In light of this unusual situation, we earnestly request everyone's understanding and cooperation.
Emphasizing the request for understanding and cooperation in exceptional circumstances.
ご多忙中とは存じますが、一度お目にかかり、直接ご説明させていただきたく存じます。ご都合の良い日時をお知らせいただけますでしょうか。
I know you are busy, but I would like to meet once and explain directly. Could you please let me know a convenient date and time?
Formal request for a meeting and scheduling.
本件の進展につきまして、随時ご報告いただけますと幸いです。
Regarding the progress of this matter, I would be grateful if you could report to me periodically.
Requesting periodic updates using 〜いただけますと幸いです.
この度は、格別のご配慮を賜り、厚く御礼申し上げます。今後ともどうぞよろしくお願い申し上げます。
Thank you very much for your exceptional consideration on this occasion. We look forward to your continued favor.
Formal expression of gratitude and request for future relations.
ご要望にお応えできるよう、最善を尽くす所存でございます。何卒ご期待ください。
We intend to do our best to meet your requests. Please expect great things.
Formal assurance of effort and request for expectation.
この度の件、貴社のご高配を賜り、心より感謝申し上げる次第でございます。つきましては、今後の協力体制の構築に関し、一度膝を交えてご相談させて頂きたく、ご都合をお聞かせ願えれば幸甚に存じます。
Regarding this matter, we are sincerely grateful for your company's esteemed consideration. Therefore, concerning the establishment of a future cooperative structure, we would be most grateful if you could inform us of your availability, as we wish to discuss it face-to-face.
Extremely formal and nuanced request for discussion, using honorifics and humble expressions.
ご提示いただいた計画は、当方の現状に鑑み、誠に画期的であると拝察いたします。しかしながら、実行段階におけるリスク管理について、さらに詳細なご説明を頂戴できますでしょうか。
Considering our current situation, we perceive the plan you presented as truly groundbreaking. However, could we possibly receive a more detailed explanation regarding risk management in the execution phase?
Formal request for detailed explanation, using humble verbs like 拝察いたします and polite request forms.
この度の危機的状況を乗り越えるべく、皆様には格別のご理解と、かつてないご協力を賜りたく、伏してお願い申し上げる次第でございます。
In order to overcome this critical situation, we humbly request everyone's exceptional understanding and unprecedented cooperation, and thus we make this plea.
Solemn and urgent appeal using heightened formal language like 伏してお願い申し上げる次第です.
貴社のご発展に寄与すべく、弊社としても、あらゆる可能性を模索し、最善の策をご提案申し上げる所存でございます。何卒、ご期待に沿えるよう努めて参る所存ですので、ご高覧いただけますと幸いです。
In order to contribute to your company's development, our company also intends to explore all possibilities and propose the best course of action. We are determined to strive to meet your expectations, so we would be grateful if you would give it your esteemed consideration.
Formal commitment and request for review using 〜所存です and 〜幸いです.
この度はお忙しいところ、貴重なお時間を割いていただき、誠にありがとうございました。今後とも、ご指導ご鞭撻を賜りますようお願い申し上げます。
Thank you very much for taking your valuable time out of your busy schedule on this occasion. We humbly ask for your continued guidance and encouragement.
Formal expression of gratitude and request for mentorship.
本件の最終決定にあたり、関係各位のご意見を集約し、最善の道筋を定めるべく、ご協力をお願いしたく存じます。
In making the final decision on this matter, we wish to ask for your cooperation in consolidating the opinions of all concerned parties and determining the best course of action.
Formal request for cooperation in decision-making process.
貴社のご繁栄を心よりお祈り申し上げますとともに、今後の取引拡大につきましても、ご検討いただけますようお願い申し上げます。
We sincerely pray for your company's prosperity and also humbly ask that you consider expanding future business dealings.
Formal well-wishes combined with a request for business expansion.
この度はお力添えいただき、誠にありがとうございました。今後とも、変わらぬご厚情を賜りますよう、伏してお願い申し上げます。
Thank you very much for your assistance on this occasion. We humbly request your continued kindness and favor going forward.
Deeply humble request for continued kindness and support.
Häufige Kollokationen
Idioms & Expressions
"よろしくおねがいします"
A highly versatile phrase with meanings like 'Nice to meet you,' 'Please take care of it,' 'I'm counting on you,' or 'Thank you in advance.'
はじめまして、田中です。よろしくお願いします。(Hajimemashite, Tanaka desu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.) - Nice to meet you, I'm Tanaka. I look forward to working with you.
neutral/formal"おねがいがあるんだけど"
I have a favor to ask (of you). Used to preface a request.
ねえ、ちょっとおねがいがあるんだけど… (Nee, chotto onegai ga aru n dakedo...) - Hey, I have a small favor to ask...
casual/neutral"おねがいですから"
I'm begging you / Please, I'm asking you (implies earnestness).
おねがいですから、もう一度チャンスをください。(Onegai desu kara, mou ichido chansu o kudasai.) - Please, just give me one more chance.
neutral/emotional"おねがいとあらば"
If you ask me / If it's a request (implies willingness to help).
おねがいとあらば、何でもしましょう。(Onegai to arabara, nandemo shimashou.) - If you ask me, I'll do anything.
slightly formal/literary"おねがい上手"
Someone who is good at asking for favors; persuasive.
彼女はおねがい上手だから、みんなに好かれている。(Kanojo wa onegai jouzu da kara, minna ni sukatte irareru.) - She's good at asking for favors, so everyone likes her.
neutral/casualEasily Confused
Both are used for requests.
ください is typically used after a verb in the te-form (e.g., 食べてください - Please eat). おねがいします is broader, used with nouns (e.g., 水をお願いします - Water, please) or as a general polite request.
これをください。(Kore o kudasai.) - Please give me this. / コーヒーをお願いします。(Koohii o onegai shimasu.) - Coffee, please.
Often used to get attention before making a request.
すみません means 'Excuse me' or 'I'm sorry'. It's used to initiate interaction or apologize. おねがいします is the actual request itself.
すみません、地図をお願いします。(Sumimasen, chizu o onegai shimasu.) - Excuse me, a map, please.
Both mean 'please' or 'request'.
頼む is the casual/plain form. おねがいします is the polite form. Using 頼む with strangers or superiors would be rude.
ちょっと貸して、頼む！(Chotto kashite, tanomu!) - Lend it to me, please! (Casual) / ちょっと貸してください、お願いします。(Chotto kashite kudasai, onegai shimasu.) - Please lend it to me. (Polite)
Sometimes confused in the context of receiving service.
ありがとう means 'thank you'. おねがいします means 'please'. You use おねがいします when asking, and ありがとう after you receive.
注文するとき: ビールをお願いします。(When ordering: Beer, please.) / 受け取ったとき: ありがとうございます。(When receiving: Thank you.)
Sentence Patterns
Noun + を + おねがいします
ケーキを３つお願いします。(Keeki o mittsu onegai shimasu.) - Three cakes, please.
Verb (te-form) + ください
座ってください。(Suwatte kudasai.) - Please sit down.
Verb (te-form) + ください、おねがいします
ちょっと待ってください、お願いします。(Chotto matte kudasai, onegai shimasu.) - Please wait a moment, please.
Noun Phrase + で + おねがいします
この色でお願いします。(Kono iro de onegai shimasu.) - I'll take this color, please.
Formal Noun Phrase + を + お願い申し上げます
ご検討をお願い申し上げます。(Gokentou o onegai moushiagemasu.) - We humbly request your consideration.
Wortfamilie
Nouns
Verbs
Verwandt
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Häufige Fehler
While 'onegai shimasu' is used when receiving service (like ordering), it's not used to express gratitude *after* the service. 'Arigatou' is for thanks.
'Onegai' is informal and can sound rude or overly familiar in polite company or business settings.
The final 'u' is often very light or dropped in casual speech, but for learners, it's better to include it softly to maintain clarity.
'Sumimasen' (excuse me) is often used to initiate interaction, but the actual request uses 'onegai shimasu'. Sometimes they are used together: 'Sumimasen, [request], onegai shimasu.'
While 'onegai shimasu' can follow 'kudasai' for extra politeness, it's not always necessary. 'Kudasai' alone is often sufficient for basic requests.
Tips
Say It Like You Mean It!
Practice saying 'おねがいします' with a slight bow or a sincere facial expression. This reinforces the politeness and the act of requesting.
When in Doubt, Use It!
If you're unsure whether to use 'please' in English, you're probably right to use 'おねがいします' in Japanese. It covers a vast range of polite requests.
The Power of the Request
In Japan, directly ordering someone can be seen as rude. 'おねがいします' softens the request, making it a request for cooperation rather than an order.
Noun + を + おねがいします
This is your most common pattern for requesting items. Remember it: [Item] + を + おねがいします. Easy!
Soften the 'U'
The 'u' sound at the end of 'shimasu' is often devoiced (whispered). Practice saying it lightly to sound more natural.
Don't Mix Up Thanks and Requests!
Remember: おねがいします = Please (Request), ありがとう = Thank you. They are not interchangeable!
It's Not Just 'Please'!
Think of it as 'I humbly request your favor' or 'I am counting on you.' It carries a deeper social weight than the English 'please'.
Role-Play Scenarios
Imagine yourself in different situations (ordering food, asking for directions, borrowing something) and practice saying 'おねがいします' out loud.
The 'Yoroshiku' Connection
Understand that よろしくおねがいします is a related, extremely common phrase. Learning them together builds a strong foundation.
Service with a Smile (and a Request)
Notice how often service staff use おねがいします. It's part of the polite service culture, showing they are attending to your needs.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Oh, Negai!' as you 'sigh' (shimasu) when asking for a big favor.
Visual Association
Imagine a person bowing deeply (like a sigh) while holding out their hands, pleading 'Oh, Negai!'
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try using 'onegai shimasu' in at least 5 different real-life or practice scenarios today.
Wortherkunft
Japanese
Original meaning: Humble wish/request (from 'negau' - to wish, + honorific 'o-' + polite 'shimasu')
Kultureller Kontext
Using the correct level of politeness is important. While 'onegai shimasu' is generally safe, overly casual or overly formal language can cause misunderstandings.
In English, 'please' is used similarly, but Japanese culture places a very high emphasis on politeness and indirectness, making phrases like 'onegai shimasu' essential for smooth social interactions.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Ordering food/drinks
- コーヒーをお願いします。(Koohii o onegai shimasu.) - Coffee, please.
- おすすめは何ですか？お願いします。(Osusume wa nan desu ka? Onegai shimasu.) - What do you recommend? Please tell me.
- お会計をお願いします。(Okaikei o onegai shimasu.) - The bill, please.
Shopping
- これをお願いします。(Kore o onegai shimasu.) - I'll take this, please.
- 袋は結構です。お願いします。(Fukuro wa kekkou desu. Onegai shimasu.) - No bag, thank you. (Used ironically when refusing, but more commonly just 'Fukuro wa kekkou desu.')
- 試着させてください。お願いします。(Shichaku sasete kudasai. Onegai shimasu.) - Please let me try this on.
Asking for directions or help
- すみません、駅までお願いします。(Sumimasen, eki made onegai shimasu.) - Excuse me, to the station, please.
- 手伝ってください。お願いします。(Tetsudatte kudasai. Onegai shimasu.) - Please help me.
- ちょっと待ってください。お願いします。(Chotto matte kudasai. Onegai shimasu.) - Please wait a moment.
Business/Formal Settings
- ご検討をお願いいたします。(Gokentou o onegai itashimasu.) - We kindly request your consideration.
- よろしくお願いいたします。(Yoroshiku onegai itashimasu.) - Thank you in advance / I look forward to your cooperation.
- ご協力をお願い申し上げます。(Gokyouryoku o onegai moushiagemasu.) - We humbly request your cooperation.
Conversation Starters
"Could you possibly help me with this? おねがいします。"
"I'd like to order the special today, おねがいします！"
"Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the station? 駅までお願いします。"
"I have a small favor to ask... おねがいがあるんだけど。"
"When you finish your work, please send it to me. よろしくおねがいします。"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you had to ask for a big favor using おねがいします.
Write a short dialogue where you order food using おねがいします.
How does the concept of 'please' differ between your native language and Japanese おねがいします?
Imagine you are a shopkeeper. How would you respond when a customer says おねがいします?
Häufig gestellte Fragen
8 Fragenください (kudasai) is used directly after a verb in the te-form to mean 'please do X' (e.g., 食べてください - Please eat). おねがいします (onegai shimasu) is used more broadly for requests, often with nouns (e.g., 水をお願いします - Water, please) or as a general polite closing to a request.
No, おねがいします means 'please' (request). For 'thank you', you should use ありがとう (arigatou) or ありがとうございます (arigatou gozaimasu).
おねがいします is standard polite Japanese. However, the casual version is just おねがい (onegai). In very formal situations, you might use more humble language like お願い申し上げます (onegai moushiagemasu).
よろしくお願いします (Yoroshiku onegaishimasu) is a set phrase with many meanings depending on context. It can mean 'Nice to meet you' (upon introduction), 'I'm counting on you' (when entrusting a task), or 'Thank you in advance'.
While おねがいします is polite, for urgency, you might add words like 急いで (isoide - quickly) or add emphasis through tone. However, maintain politeness. For example, '急いでお願いします (Isoide onegaishimasu)'.
You can say just おねがい (onegai) to close friends or family, but it's informal. In most other situations, especially with people you don't know well or in professional settings, おねがいします is much safer and more appropriate.
The 'o' is an honorific prefix. It adds politeness to the word 'negai' (wish/request), making the whole phrase more respectful.
Break it down: O-NE-GAI-SHI-MA-SU. Give each syllable relatively equal stress. The 'shi' is like 'she', and the 'su' is soft, almost like just 's'. Avoid stressing one syllable too heavily.
Teste dich selbst
すみません、水を ______。
おねがいします is used to make a request, like asking for water.
Which phrase means 'Please' when asking for something?
おねがいします is the standard polite way to say 'Please' when making a request.
You can use 'おねがいします' when ordering food at a restaurant.
Yes, it's very common to use 'おねがいします' when ordering, e.g., 'ラーメンをお願いします (Ramen o onegai shimasu)'.
Word
Bedeutung
These show common ways to use おねがいします in different request scenarios.
The correct order forms the sentence '資料を送ってください、お願いします。' (Please send the documents.)
これは ______ です。
When pointing to something you want, you say 'This, please.' (これはおねがいします).
Which is the most appropriate phrase to use when asking a shopkeeper for an item?
おねがいします is the polite way to request an item in a shop.
'よろしくお願いします (Yoroshiku onegaishimasu)' is a variation of 'おねがいします' used for future cooperation.
Yes, 'Yoroshiku onegaishimasu' is a common fixed phrase that implies a request for future good relations or cooperation.
The sentence '少し時間ください、お願いします。' means 'Please give me a little time.'
この件につきまして、ご検討 ______。
In a formal context like 'Regarding this matter,' 'お願いします' or a more formal version is appropriate.
Ergebnis: /10
Summary
Mastering おねがいします is crucial for polite and effective communication in Japanese.
- A fundamental Japanese phrase for 'Please'.
- Used for making requests and asking favors politely.
- Essential in daily life, service interactions, and business.
- Has variations for different politeness levels and contexts.
Say It Like You Mean It!
Practice saying 'おねがいします' with a slight bow or a sincere facial expression. This reinforces the politeness and the act of requesting.
When in Doubt, Use It!
If you're unsure whether to use 'please' in English, you're probably right to use 'おねがいします' in Japanese. It covers a vast range of polite requests.
The Power of the Request
In Japan, directly ordering someone can be seen as rude. 'おねがいします' softens the request, making it a request for cooperation rather than an order.
Noun + を + おねがいします
This is your most common pattern for requesting items. Remember it: [Item] + を + おねがいします. Easy!
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Verwandte Redewendungen
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について
A2about; concerning
宛先
B1The address or name of the recipient to whom mail or an email is sent.
番地
A2House number
賛同
B1Approval, endorsement; support or agreement with an idea.
~も
A2Too, also.
〜そして
A1And then; and (used to connect sentences or clauses).
たり
A2Indicates a non-exhaustive list of actions/states ('and so on').
〜や
A2And; and so forth (used to list examples, implying others exist).
お知らせ
B1Notice; an announcement or communication.
答え
A2A thing said, written, or done as a reaction to a question or statement.
