🇯🇵 Japanese phrases

How to Say "Please" in Japanese

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
お願いします
"Please" in Japanese · say it like oh-neh-gai-shimasu

The most natural way to say "Please" in Japanese is お願いします. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

どうぞ
used when offering something or giving permission
お願い
more casual, often used among friends

When to use it

Use 'お願いします' when making a request or asking for a favor. It shows politeness and respect. It's commonly used in both formal and informal situations. You can use it in conversations, at restaurants, or when asking for help.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "Please" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Japanese

JapaneseEnglish
これを手伝ってください、お願いします。Please help me with this.
もう一度言ってください、お願いします。Please say it again.
Common mistake
Some learners use 'ください' instead of 'お願いします' in all situations, but 'お願いします' is more polite.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear お願いします, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Japanese with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

When should I use 'お願いします'?

'お願いします' is used when you want to make a polite request or ask for a favor.

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