お願いします

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please, I would appreciate it, could you
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/o̞ne̞ga̠i̥ɕimasɯ̥/
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A polite expression used to request something, accept an offer, or ask for a favor, roughly equivalent to ‘please’ in English.

Examples

  • この書類をチェックしてお願いします
    Could you please check this document.
  • すみません、窓を開けてお願いします
    Excuse me, could you please open the window.
  • 明日の会議の資料を送ってお願いします
    Send me the meeting materials for tomorrow, please.
  • この仕事、お願いします
    I'll take this job, please.
  • コーヒーをもう一杯お願いします
    One more coffee, please.

Similar words

ご指示ください
どうぞ
お願い
ご相談ください
ご協力ください
ご支援ください
ください

Meanings

Usage

Use お願いします when asking for a favor, making a request, or confirming you will take what is offered, especially in formal or polite contexts.

Common mistakes

Dropping the polite ending and saying お願い alone in formal requests sounds abrupt.

Etymology

From the verb 願う (negau) ‘to wish or request’, combined with the polite verb ending します.

FAQ

What does お願いします mean?

お願いします means ‘please’ or ‘I would appreciate it’ when making a polite request.

How is お願いします used in a request?

Place お願いします at the end of a sentence to ask someone to do something politely.

When should I say お願いします instead of ください?

お願いします is more formal and is used when you want to show extra respect or humility.

Can お願いします be used to accept an offer?

Yes, saying お願いします after an offer signals that you will accept it.

Is お願いします appropriate in formal situations?

It is a keigo expression, so it is suitable for business, academic, and other formal contexts.

What is the polite level of お願いします?

It is a high‑politeness phrase, often used with strangers, superiors, or in customer service.

How do I pronounce お願いします?

It is pronounced onegaishimasu with a short “o” and a soft “sh” sound.

What is the difference between お願いします and よろしくお願いします?

お願いします asks for a specific favor, while よろしくお願いします conveys a broader wish for goodwill.

Can お願いします be used at the end of a sentence?

Yes, it normally appears at the end of a request sentence.

Why is お願いします sometimes translated as “I beg of you”?

Because the verb 願う originally means ‘to beg or wish’, giving the phrase a humble tone.

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