Translation and Meaning of: お願いします - onegaishimasu

If you are learning Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have encountered the word お願いします[おねがいします]. This expression is one of the most useful and versatile in everyday Japan, appearing in situations ranging from formal requests to casual interactions. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in daily life, as well as tips for memorizing it efficiently. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide accurate and practical information for those who want to master the language.

Meaning and translation of お願いします

おねがいします is a polite expression that can be translated as "please" or "I ask." However, its use goes beyond a simple request. It carries a tone of humility and respect, especially in formal contexts or when asking for a favor. Unlike the English "please," which is often optional, お願いします is almost mandatory in certain situations in Japan.

It is worth noting that this word is formed by the verb 願う (negau), which means "to wish" or "to beg," added with the honorific prefix お (o) and the ending します (shimasu), which indicates polite action. This construction reinforces the idea of a request made with courtesy, something deeply valued in Japanese culture.

How and when to use お願いします

In Japan, お願いします appears in various scenarios. If you are in a restaurant and want to call the waiter, saying お願いします after making the order is essential. Similarly, when handing over a document in an office, accompanying the action with this expression demonstrates politeness. It is also common in services, such as when you ask a taxi driver to take you to a destination.

Another interesting use is in situations where you are delegating a task. For example, if a coworker offers to help with something, responding with お願いします is the appropriate way to accept the help. Interestingly, in informal contexts among friends, the Japanese may shorten it to お願い (onegai), maintaining politeness but with a lighter tone.

Tips for memorizing and pronouncing correctly

An effective way to memorize お願いします is to associate it with concrete situations. Try to visualize everyday scenes where it would be used, like in a market or during a meeting. Repeating the word out loud also helps, paying attention to the pronunciation: "o-ne-ga-i-shi-ma-su", with clearly marked syllables and without excessive emphasis on any part.

For those who enjoy mnemonic resources, think of "Oh, neguei shi massu" as a phonetic approximation in Portuguese. But : this is just an initial aid. The ideal is to practice with real sentences, such as これをお願いします (kore o onegaishimasu - "please, I want this"), which you can find in the Suki Nihongo dictionary with contextualized examples.

The cultural importance of お願いします

In Japan, indirect communication and the concern of not imposing one’s will are important values. お願いします encapsulates this idea, transforming even commands into polite requests. Employees, teachers, and even bosses use this word to maintain social harmony. It is not just about formality, but about a pillar of Japanese etiquette.

Frequency data shows that お願いします is among the 500 most used words in spoken Japanese. Its versatility explains this popularity: it serves both for "please" and "I trust you" in contexts such as handing over responsibility to someone. This multifunctionality makes it one of the first expressions that students should master.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• お願い致します (onegai itashimasu) - 非常に丁寧な「お願いします」(onegaishimasu)。
• お願いいたします (onegai itadakimasu) - Respectful way of saying "please".
• お願い申し上げます (onegai mōshiagemasu) - Even more respectful way of "please".
• お願いいたしまして (onegai itashimashite) - A respectful and polite way of saying "please," often used to start or conclude a request.
• お願いしまする (onegai shimasuru) - A somewhat antiquated or very respectful way of saying "please".
• お願いしますわ (onegai shimasuwa) - Feminine form of "please," used by women to sound softer.
• お願いしますね (onegai shimasu ne) - A friendly and informal way of saying "please," with a sense of acceptance.
• お願いしますよ (onegai shimasu yo) - An emphatic or insistent way of saying "please".
• お願いしますか (onegai shimasu ka) - Ways to ask "can you help me?" or "could you please...?".
• お願いしますぞ (onegai shimasu zo) - Emphatic form with a touch of assertiveness, used by men.
• お願いしますわね (onegai shimasuwa ne) - A feminine and friendly way to say "please," with an emphasis on kindness.
• お願いしますわよ (onegai shimasuwa yo) - Another feminine form with emphasis, often used to be assertive.
• お願いしますわかりました (onegai shimasuwa karimashita) - Please indicate an understanding of the request, along with "please".
• お願いしますわかった (onegai shimasuwakatta) - Casual way to affirm that you understood the request while asking for something.
• お願いします了解 (onegai shimasu ryōkai) - A highly polite way of saying "please" accompanied by "understood."
• お願いします承知 (onegai shimasu shōchi) - A respectful way to express acceptance along with the request "please."
• お願いしますご了承 (onegai shimasu go-ryō) - A way to express "please" along with acceptance of a condition.
• お願いしますご承知 (onegai shimasu go-shōchi) - Another very respectful way to say "please," emphasizing understanding.
• お願いしますご了承ください (onegai shimasu go-ryōkai kudasai) - Request understanding of a request in a very polite manner.
• お願いしますご承知ください (onegai shimasu go-shōchi kudasai) - A polite request for the other party to understand or accept what has been requested.