24 Japanese Ways to Say “Please”

When you’re learning Japanese, mastering the word “please” is a game-changer.

It’s a simple word, but it carries so much warmth and politeness. In Japanese, there isn’t just one way to say “please” — there are many, each fitting different situations and moods.

From casual asks to formal requests, knowing these variations will make your conversations smoother and more natural.

Whether you’re ordering food, asking for a favor, or making an important request, you’ll find the perfect “please” in this list.

Plus, exploring these phrases opens a window into Japanese culture and the nuances of respect and friendliness.

Ready to add 24 new ways to say “please” in Japanese to your language toolkit? Let’s dive in!

The Many Faces of “Please” in Japanese

Japanese politeness is layered and beautiful.

Understanding when and how to say “please” can be tricky but rewarding. It’s not just about the words but how you say them, and who you’re speaking to.

Each phrase carries its own flavor of politeness or casualness.

Sometimes, using a great beginner phrasebook can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.

These phrases are easy to start practicing right away.

Let’s explore how you can sound polite, casual, or native-like with just a few words!

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. お願い (Onegai) – oh-neh-guy (oh-neh-guy)

This is the most common casual way to say “please.”

Simply saying “Onegai” can be used among friends or in informal settings. It’s short, sweet, and gets the point across without being too stiff.

It’s great for quick favors or asking someone to pass something.

Remember, adding a bow or polite tone makes it feel warmer.

You can also say “Onegai shimasu” for a bit more formality.

Practice this phrase when you want to sound polite but relaxed.

2. ください (Kudasai) – koo-dah-sigh (koo-dah-sigh)

This is a polite way to say “please” when requesting something.

You attach “kudasai” to the verb stem or noun you want. For example, “Mizu o kudasai” means “Water, please.”

It’s easy to remember because it’s often used in daily life.

Be careful not to use it too casually with strangers; it’s polite but not super formal.

Try it when ordering food or asking for objects.

It’s a versatile phrase that helps you sound respectful yet approachable.

3. お願いします (Onegaishimasu) – oh-neh-guy-shee-mahss (oh-neh-guy-shee-mahss)

This is a more formal version of “onegai.”

It’s polite and respectful, perfect for when you want to show seriousness or gratitude.

It’s commonly used in customer service or formal requests.

Onegaishimasu can be used alone or at the end of a request.

It’s a great phrase to know for work or meeting new people.

Using this phrase shows you value the other person’s effort.

4. ちょうだい (Choudai) – choh-die (choh-die)

Choudai is a very casual way to say “please” or “give me.”

Kids often use it with friends or family. It’s informal and a bit cute.

Be cautious using it with adults or strangers—it can sound too casual.

It’s like saying “gimme” in English, so use it only when you’re close with someone.

Try this one with close friends or younger people.

It adds a sweet, playful tone to your request.

5. 〜てくれる？ (～te kureru?) – teh koo-reh-roo? (teh koo-reh-roo?)

This phrase literally means “Can you do ~ for me?” and is casual.

Attach the te-form of a verb to “kureru” to make a polite request among friends.

For example, “手伝ってくれる？” (Tetsudatte kureru?) means “Can you help me, please?”

It’s friendly and natural, perfect for close relationships.

Don’t use it with bosses or strangers.

This is a great way to sound conversational and warm.

6. 〜てください (～te kudasai) – teh koo-dah-sigh (teh koo-dah-sigh)

Use this polite phrase to ask someone to do something for you.

Attach the te-form of a verb to “kudasai.” For example, “見てください” (Mite kudasai) means “Please look.”

It’s polite but common and easy to use.

Avoid sounding demanding by keeping a gentle tone.

This phrase works well in shops or customer interactions.

It helps you sound respectful and clear.

7. いい？ (Ii?) – ee (ee)

A super casual way to say “please” or “Is it okay?”

It’s often used when asking permission or a small favor among friends.

For example, “これ使ってもいい？” (Kore tsukattemo ii?) means “Can I use this, please?”

Great for relaxed conversations, but not formal ones.

Keep it light and friendly.

It’s perfect for sounding natural and easygoing.

8. お願いね (Onegai ne) – oh-neh-guy neh (oh-neh-guy neh)

This is a soft, casual way to say “please,” often used among friends or family.

Adding “ne” makes it sound warmer and more friendly.

It’s less formal than “onegai shimasu” but polite enough for close relationships.

Use it when you want to sound sincere but casual.

It works well for small favors or everyday requests.

This phrase spreads warmth and friendliness.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. どうぞ (Douzo) – doh-zoh (doh-zoh)

“Douzo” means “please” in the sense of “go ahead” or “here you are.”

It’s polite and often used when offering something to someone.

For example, giving someone a seat or food.

It’s a beautiful way to show generosity and respect.

Don’t confuse it with requests; it’s more about offering.

Use it to sound gracious and polite.

10. 〜ていただけますか (～te itadakemasu ka) – teh ee-tah-dah-keh-mahss kah (teh ee-tah-dah-keh-mahss kah)

This is a very polite and humble way to say “please.”

Attach the te-form of a verb to “itadakemasu ka” to make a respectful request.

For example, “教えていただけますか？” (Oshiete itadakemasu ka?) means “Could you please teach me?”

It’s perfect for formal or business situations.

It shows your respect and humility.

Use this phrase to impress with politeness.

11. 〜てくださいますか (～te kudasaimasu ka) – teh koo-dah-sigh-mahss kah (teh koo-dah-sigh-mahss kah)

This is another polite request form, similar to “itadakemasu,” but slightly less humble.

Attach the te-form of a verb to “kudasaimasu ka.”

It’s used for formal and respectful requests.

For example, “見てくださいますか？” (Mite kudasaimasu ka?) means “Could you please look?”

Use it for polite interactions, especially with superiors.

It’s a safe phrase to show respect without being too formal.

12. よろしくお願いします (Yoroshiku onegaishimasu) – yoh-roh-shee-koo oh-neh-guy-shee-mahss (yo-ro-shi-ku oh-neh-gai-shi-mas)

This phrase means “Please treat me well” or “I’m counting on you.”

It’s used when making requests or starting new relationships.

It’s polite and humble, showing your respect and hope for good cooperation.

Perfect for introductions, work, or favors.

It’s a must-know phrase in Japanese culture.

Use it to sound genuinely polite and hopeful.

13. 恐れ入りますが (Osoreirimasu ga) – oh-soh-reh-ree-mahss gah (oh-soh-reh-ree-mahss gah)

This phrase means “I’m sorry to trouble you, but…”

It’s a very polite way to preface a request or favor.

Adding this phrase shows humility and respect.

Use it in formal emails, calls, or face-to-face requests.

It’s a great way to soften your ask.

Try it when you want to be very courteous.

14. お手数ですが (Otesuu desu ga) – oh-teh-soo dess gah (oh-teh-soo dess gah)

This phrase means “Sorry to trouble you, but…”

It’s polite and humble, used before asking someone to do something that might take effort.

It shows consideration for the other person’s time.

Common in business or formal communication.

Use it to sound thoughtful and respectful.

Perfect for emails or phone requests.

15. どうか (Douka) – doh-kah (doh-kah)

“Douka” is a heartfelt way to say “please,” often in emotional or serious requests.

It conveys a strong wish or hope.

Use it when you want to emphasize sincerity or desperation.

It’s less common in casual conversation.

Try it in letters or formal appeals.

It adds emotional weight to your “please.”

16. ご協力ください (Gokyouryoku kudasai) – goh-kyoh-ryoh-koo koo-dah-sigh (go-kyoh-ryoh-koo koo-dah-sai)

This phrase means “Please cooperate” or “Please assist.”

It’s formal and used in announcements, requests, or official settings.

Great for group settings or public messages.

Use it to sound professional and clear.

It conveys both respect and expectation.

Good for workplace or event situations.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. よ (Yo) – yoh (yoh)

“Yo” is a sentence-ending particle that can soften a request casually.

It’s used among close friends to add emphasis like “please” or “okay?”

For example, “貸してよ” (Kashite yo) means “Lend it to me, please.”

Be mindful to use it only with people you’re close to.

It adds a friendly, native vibe to your speech.

Perfect for informal chatting or texting.

18. 〜てよ (～te yo) – teh yoh (teh yoh)

This is a casual way to make a request, attaching “yo” after the te-form of a verb.

For example, “見てよ” (Mite yo) means “Look at this, please!”

It’s friendly and expressive.

Good for casual situations, not formal ones.

Use it to sound natural and approachable.

Practice with close friends or family.

19. 〜てくんない？ (～te kunnai?) – teh koon-nai? (teh koon-nai?)

This is a very casual contraction of “te kure nai?” meaning “Will you please do ~ for me?”

It’s slangy and used only among close friends or younger people.

For example, “貸してくんない？” (Kashite kunnai?) means “Can you lend it to me, please?”

Avoid using it in formal or polite settings.

It’s great for sounding like a native teenager or young adult.

Try it when you want to be informal and friendly.

20. 〜てちょうだい (～te choudai) – teh choh-die (teh cho-die)

This is a casual and cute way to say “please do ~ for me.”

Attach the te-form of a verb to “choudai.”

For example, “教えてちょうだい” (Oshiete choudai) means “Please teach me.”

Use it with friends and family only.

It sounds warm and informal.

Perfect for casual conversations.

21. 〜てね (～te ne) – teh neh (teh neh)

Adding “ne” to the te-form of a verb softens the request and adds friendliness.

For example, “見てね” (Mite ne) means “Please look (okay)?”

It’s casual but polite among friends or family.

Use it to sound warm and inviting.

It’s a great way to keep requests lighthearted.

Try it in text messages or casual speech.

22. 〜てもらえる？ (～te moraeru?) – teh moh-rah-eh-roo? (teh moh-rah-eh-roo?)

This phrase means “Can you do ~ for me?” in a casual but polite way.

Attach the te-form of a verb to “moraeru?”

For example, “手伝ってもらえる？” (Tetsudatte moraeru?) means “Can you help me, please?”

It’s friendly and respectful among friends or coworkers.

Use it to sound natural and polite without being stiff.

Great for everyday conversation.

23. 〜てくれてありがとう (～te kurete arigatou) – teh koo-reh-teh ah-ree-gah-toh (teh koo-reh-teh ah-ree-gah-toh)

This phrase means “Thank you for doing ~ for me.”

It’s a polite and heartfelt way to acknowledge a favor.

Use it after someone helps you.

For example, “手伝ってくれてありがとう” (Tetsudatte kurete arigatou) means “Thank you for helping me.”

It’s a great way to express gratitude alongside “please.”

Practice it to build warm connections.

24. よろしくね (Yoroshiku ne) – yoh-roh-shee-koo neh (yo-ro-shi-ku neh)

This is a casual and friendly version of “yoroshiku onegaishimasu.”

It means “Please take care of this” or “Thanks in advance.”

Use it with friends or colleagues in relaxed situations.

It sounds warm and approachable.

It’s perfect for casual emails, texts, or conversations.

Try it to sound friendly and natural.

Concluding Thought

Learning to say “please” in Japanese is more than just memorizing words—it’s about understanding context, tone, and respect.

With these 24 phrases, you’re equipped to navigate a range of situations from casual chats to formal requests.

Keep practicing, and soon you’ll sound natural, polite, and friendly in any Japanese conversation. がんばってね (Ganbatte ne) — good luck!