お願いします

• Reading: おねがいします
• Romaji: onegaishimasu
• Kanji breakdown: 願 (gan/nega) — wish, request
• Pronunciation: /o.ne.ɡa.i.ɕi.ma.sɯ/

Meaning

Please; I ask of you. A polite expression used when making requests.

One of the most versatile polite expressions in Japanese. Used when ordering food, asking for help, making requests, or concluding a self-introduction. The casual form is お願い. Literally means 'I make a wish/request,' combining the honorific お with 願い (wish) and します (do).

Examples

1. お水をお願いします。 Water, please.
2. よろしくお願いします。 Nice to meet you; I look forward to working with you.
3. この荷物を持ってくれるようにお願いした。 I asked them to carry this luggage for me.

Usage Guide

Context: requests, ordering, introductions

Tone: polite

Origin & History

From 願う (negau, 'to wish/pray'). The お prefix and します ending create the polite request form. Rooted in the idea of humbly asking for a favor.

Cultural Context

Era: Medieval

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal