How to Say ‘Please / I ask for your help’ in Japanese
お願いします
o negai shi masu
[oh neh-gai shee mahss]
🇯🇵 In Japan: [お願いします] is extremely common in workplaces, but it covers a lot more than English "please." In a morning meeting, it can sound like "I'm counting on you" or "let's work well together," so the exact English depends on the situation.
Phrase Breakdown
お
o
[oh]
honorific prefix
A polite prefix added to some words to make them more respectful.
お茶を飲みます。
I drink tea.
願い
negai
[neh-gai]
wish; request
This part comes from a word meaning a wish, hope, or request.
お願いがあります。
I have a request.
し
shi
[shee]
do
This is the stem of the verb suru, used here to mean doing the request expression politely.
勉強をします。
I study.
ます
masu
[mahss]
polite verb ending
A common polite ending used with verbs in everyday formal Japanese.
毎朝、歩きます。
I walk every morning.
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