Meaning
A very polite phrase used after self-introduction, requesting goodwill.
Cultural Background
The phrase is often accompanied by a bow. The timing of the bow usually starts at the end of the phrase, with the lowest point reached as the speaker finishes 'shimasu.' In business, 'Yoroshiku' is a way of acknowledging that no one works alone. It reinforces the 'team first' mentality of Japanese corporate culture. In Japanese online games (like FFXIV), players almost always type 'yoro' or 'yoroshiku desu' at the start of a dungeon. It's considered rude to start without it. On New Year's Day, the phrase is modified to 'Kotoshi mo yoroshiku' (Please treat me well this year too), which is essential for maintaining social bonds.
The 'Kochira Koso' Rule
If someone says 'Yoroshiku' to you first, always reply with 'Kochira koso, yoroshiku onegaishimasu.' It makes you sound instantly fluent.
Don't be too casual
Even if someone is younger than you, if you've just met them in a professional setting, use the full 'Onegaishimasu.' Being too casual too fast is a common foreigner mistake.
Meaning
A very polite phrase used after self-introduction, requesting goodwill.
The 'Kochira Koso' Rule
If someone says 'Yoroshiku' to you first, always reply with 'Kochira koso, yoroshiku onegaishimasu.' It makes you sound instantly fluent.
Don't be too casual
Even if someone is younger than you, if you've just met them in a professional setting, use the full 'Onegaishimasu.' Being too casual too fast is a common foreigner mistake.
The Bow Timing
Try to time your bow so that you are looking down when you say 'shimasu' and coming back up after you finish the sentence.
Test Yourself
Complete the self-introduction.
{初|はじ}めまして。ジョンです。どうぞ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿。
In a self-introduction, 'Yoroshiku onegaishimasu' is the standard way to finish.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are sending a business email to a client you have never met.
Business emails require the formal 'itashimasu' or 'shimasu' form.
Which response is most natural when someone says 'Yoroshiku onegaishimasu' to you?
A: よろしくおねがいします。 B: ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿。
'Kochira koso' means 'Me too/Likewise' and is the standard response.
Complete the dialogue between two students.
Student A: 今日からこのクラスだね。よろしく！ Student B: ＿＿＿＿＿＿！
Between students, the casual 'Yoroshiku' matches the tone of the speaker.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises{初|はじ}めまして。ジョンです。どうぞ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿。
In a self-introduction, 'Yoroshiku onegaishimasu' is the standard way to finish.
You are sending a business email to a client you have never met.
Business emails require the formal 'itashimasu' or 'shimasu' form.
A: よろしくおねがいします。 B: ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿。
'Kochira koso' means 'Me too/Likewise' and is the standard response.
Student A: 今日からこのクラスだね。よろしく！ Student B: ＿＿＿＿＿＿！
Between students, the casual 'Yoroshiku' matches the tone of the speaker.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but only with friends or people younger than you. In business or with strangers, it's considered rude.
It makes it sound more welcoming and polite, like saying 'Please, I kindly request...'
Yes! You'll hear it every time a new student joins a class or a hero joins a party. It's the ultimate 'team-up' phrase.
The best reply is 'Kochira koso, yoroshiku onegaishimasu' (Likewise, please treat me well).
No. Use 'Arigatō gozaimasu' or nothing at all. 'Yoroshiku' implies a future interaction.
Yes, 'Yoroshiku onegaishimashita.' Use it after someone has finished a favor for you.
It's just extreme shorthand for 'Yoroshiku.' It's fast to type during gameplay.
Absolutely. In fact, you *should* use it when meeting them or asking for help.
No, but in a romantic confession (Kokuhaku), someone might say 'Yoroshiku onegaishimasu' after asking to date, meaning 'Please be my partner.'
'Itashimasu' is the humble version of 'shimasu.' Use it in business emails or with very important people.
Related Phrases
{初|はじ}めまして
similarNice to meet you (for the first time).
こちらこそ
builds onLikewise / Same here.
お{願|ねが}いします
specialized formPlease (requesting a favor).
お{疲|つか}れ{様|さま}です
contrastGood job / Hello (to colleagues).
