どうぞ

• Reading: どうぞ
• Romaji: douzo
• Pronunciation: /doː.zo/

Meaning

Please; go ahead; by all means; help yourself.

An adverb used to politely invite, offer, or give permission. Often accompanied by a gesture, such as holding a door open or offering a seat. Different from お願いします, which is used when asking — どうぞ is used when giving or granting. Frequently paired with other expressions like どうぞよろしく.

Examples

1. どうぞお座りください。 Please have a seat.
2. どうぞ食べてください。 Please help yourself to the food.
3. どうぞこちらへ来てください。 Please come this way.

Usage Guide

Context: offering, inviting, giving permission

Tone: polite

Origin & History

Derived from the classical どうぞ, related to どう (how). Originally an emphatic adverb meaning 'by whatever means,' it softened into a polite offering expression.

Cultural Context

Era: Medieval

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal