A polite, versatile expression used to offer items or grant permission.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to offer something politely to others.
- Indicates permission or invitation for an action.
- Essential for showing hospitality and good manners.
Overview
- 1概要：「どうぞ」は、日本語で最も頻繁に使われる丁寧な間投詞の一つです。相手に物を提供したり、行動を促したりする際に、「遠慮しないでください」というニュアンスを込めて使われます。2) 使用パターン：主に「何かを差し出す時（どうぞ、召し上がってください）」「許可を与える時（どうぞ、お入りください）」「相手を優先する時（お先にどうぞ）」の3つの文脈で使用されます。3) 一般的な文脈：初対面の人から家族まで幅広く使えますが、より丁寧にする場合は「どうぞ、お使いください」のように動詞を組み合わせます。また、相手から何かを勧められた際、「ありがとうございます。では、お言葉に甘えて」と返答する際にも、文脈に応じて「どうぞ」という言葉が背景にあります。4) 類似語との比較：「いいですよ」も許可を表しますが、ややカジュアルで「問題ない」というニュアンスが強いです。「ぜひ」は強い勧誘を意味し、「どうぞ」よりも熱意が伝わります。
Examples
どうぞ、お入りください。
everydayPlease, come in.
こちらへどうぞ。
formalPlease, this way.
どうぞ。
informalHere you are.
ご自由にお使いください。どうぞ。
academicPlease feel free to use it. Go ahead.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
どうぞお入りください
Please come in
どうぞお召し上がりください
Please enjoy the meal
どうぞよろしく
Nice to meet you / Please treat me well
Often Confused With
This means 'It is okay' or 'That is fine.' It is often used to give permission but can sound slightly more casual or dismissive than 'douzo'.
This means 'by all means' or 'definitely.' It emphasizes that you strongly want the other person to do something, whereas 'douzo' is a polite invitation.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Douzo is a versatile interjection used in almost all levels of formality. It is essential for polite interaction in Japan. Always pair it with a smile or a slight bow to maximize its effectiveness.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use it when asking for something, which is incorrect. Avoid saying 'Douzo' when you are the one who needs help. Remember it is a word for giving, not taking.
Tips
Use with a polite bow
When saying 'douzo' to offer something, bowing slightly makes the gesture much warmer and more polite. It shows genuine hospitality.
Do not use for requests
Never use 'douzo' when you want to ask someone for a favor. It is strictly for offering or giving permission.
The spirit of Omotenashi
The word embodies the Japanese spirit of 'Omotenashi' (hospitality). It is a simple tool to make others feel comfortable and welcomed.
Word Origin
Derived from the verb 'douzo' (to move/act), it evolved into a fixed expression of encouragement. It captures the essence of welcoming someone into your space.
Cultural Context
Douzo is deeply tied to the Japanese concept of consideration for others. By offering something with 'douzo', you create a harmonious social atmosphere.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Douzo' as 'Do it, so...' (as in, 'Do it, so please go ahead'). It is the ultimate green light word in Japanese.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「どうぞ」は相手に何かを差し上げる時に使い、「お願いします」は自分が何かを頼む時に使います。方向性が全く逆なので注意してください。
はい、使えます。例えば飲み物を渡す時や、ドアを開けて相手を先に行かせる時に「どうぞ」と言うだけで十分に丁寧です。
「どうぞ、お入りください」や「どうぞ、お召し上がりください」のように、相手の動作を表す動詞を丁寧な形にして加えると、非常に洗練された印象になります。
「どうぞ」はビジネスでも使えますが、よりフォーマルな場では「こちらへどうぞ」や「ご自由にお使いください」のように具体的に言うとより適切です。
Test Yourself
（誰かに席を譲る時）「___、どうぞ。」
相手に先に席についてもらう時は「お先にどうぞ」が自然です。
「___」
「どうぞ」は提供や許可の言葉であり、依頼には使いません。
（お使いください）を並び替えてください。
「どうぞ」を文頭に置くのが最も自然です。
Score: /3
Summary
A polite, versatile expression used to offer items or grant permission.
- Used to offer something politely to others.
- Indicates permission or invitation for an action.
- Essential for showing hospitality and good manners.
Use with a polite bow
When saying 'douzo' to offer something, bowing slightly makes the gesture much warmer and more polite. It shows genuine hospitality.
Do not use for requests
Never use 'douzo' when you want to ask someone for a favor. It is strictly for offering or giving permission.
The spirit of Omotenashi
The word embodies the Japanese spirit of 'Omotenashi' (hospitality). It is a simple tool to make others feel comfortable and welcomed.
Examples
4 of 4どうぞ、お入りください。
Please, come in.
こちらへどうぞ。
Please, this way.
どうぞ。
Here you are.
ご自由にお使いください。どうぞ。
Please feel free to use it. Go ahead.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More communication words
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.
