お手数おかけしますが、ご覧になってください
Otesuu okake shimasu ga, goran ni natte kudasai
Sorry for the trouble, please take a look
Meaning
A polite request for someone to review something, acknowledging the inconvenience.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Kushon Kotoba' (Cushion Words) is vital. You never start a request directly; you always 'cushion' it with an apology for the other person's effort. The phrase reflects 'Sonkeigo' (respectful language) and 'Kenjougo' (humble language). It reinforces the vertical structure of Japanese society. In high-end service, staff use this to show that they value the customer's time above all else, even for small actions like looking at a receipt. When giving a gift, people often say 'O-tesū desu ga...' if the gift requires some action (like being refrigerated), showing constant awareness of the recipient's effort.
The 'Ga' Softener
Always let the 'ga' at the end of 'shimasu ga' linger for a split second. It signals that you are waiting for the other person's reaction.
Don't Overuse
If you use this for every single tiny thing in one conversation, it can sound robotic or insincere. Mix it with 'O-negai shimasu' for variety.
Meaning
A polite request for someone to review something, acknowledging the inconvenience.
The 'Ga' Softener
Always let the 'ga' at the end of 'shimasu ga' linger for a split second. It signals that you are waiting for the other person's reaction.
Don't Overuse
If you use this for every single tiny thing in one conversation, it can sound robotic or insincere. Mix it with 'O-negai shimasu' for variety.
Eye Contact
When saying this in person, a slight bow (15 degrees) is expected as you hand over the document.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing parts to make the request polite for a business setting.
お（ ）おかけしますが、ご（ ）になってください。
The standard phrase is 'お手数' (trouble) and 'ご覧' (look).
Which of the following is the most appropriate way to ask your boss to check a report?
Choose the best option:
Option 2 uses the correct humble-respectful balance. Option 3 incorrectly uses a humble verb for the boss.
Complete the dialogue between a student and a professor.
Student: 先生、レポートを書きました。（ ） Professor: はい、机に置いておいてください。
In a formal academic setting, the full honorific version is most appropriate.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Match 'お手数おかけしますが、ご覧になってください' with:
This phrase is specifically for formal/business contexts.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'O-tesū'
- • Attachments
- • Reports
- • Drafts
In-Person
- • Handing documents
- • Showing a screen
- • Giving a menu
Practice Bank
4 exercisesお（ ）おかけしますが、ご（ ）になってください。
The standard phrase is 'お手数' (trouble) and 'ご覧' (look).
Choose the best option:
Option 2 uses the correct humble-respectful balance. Option 3 incorrectly uses a humble verb for the boss.
Student: 先生、レポートを書きました。（ ） Professor: はい、机に置いておいてください。
In a formal academic setting, the full honorific version is most appropriate.
Match 'お手数おかけしますが、ご覧になってください' with:
This phrase is specifically for formal/business contexts.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is very appropriate for asking a teacher to check your work, especially for university students or adult learners.
Yes, 'O-tesū desu ga' is a slightly shorter, common variation that is still very polite.
'Goran' literally means 'look,' while 'Kakunin' means 'confirm.' 'Goran' is slightly more formal and traditional.
In a business text (Slack/Teams), yes. In a personal LINE message to a friend, no.
It is the humble form of 'kakeru' (to cause). It shows that you are the one causing the trouble, taking responsibility.
Yes, usually in office-themed anime like 'Shirobako' or when a character is speaking to a high-ranking official.
No, it would sound like you are treating your parents like strangers or business clients.
It becomes 'Tesū,' which is too casual for this specific grammar structure. Always keep the 'O'.
Yes, 'O-tesū desu ga, go-kakunin o-negai shimasu' is very common.
Literally, yes. It refers to the number of steps or actions required to do something.
Related Phrases
ご{確認|かくにん}ください
similarPlease confirm/check.
ご{一読|いちどく}ください
specialized formPlease read through this.
お{目|め}に{通|とお}してください
similarPlease run your eyes over this.
ご{高覧|こうらん}ください
specialized formPlease deign to look at this.
