Using polite language is an important aspect of Japanese communication. Here’s how to say “Please” and make polite requests in Japanese:
- お願いします (Onegaishimasu):
This is a versatile phrase that can be used to make various requests politely. It can be used in a wide range of situations, such as ordering food, asking for assistance, or making a polite request. - ～ていただけますか (～te itadakemasu ka):
This phrase can be added to the te-form of a verb to make a polite request. For example:
- 開けていただけますか？ (Akete itadakemasu ka?) – Can you please open it?
- ～ていただけませんか (～te itadakemasen ka):
Similar to the above, this phrase is used to make a polite negative request. For example:
- 閉めていただけませんか？ (Shimete itadakemasen ka?) – Could you please close it?
- ～てくれませんか (～te kuremasen ka):
This is another way to make a polite request, with a slightly less formal tone. For example:
- 手伝ってくれませんか？ (Tetsudatte kuremasen ka?) – Would you please help me?
- ～てもいいですか (～te mo ii desu ka):
This phrase is used to ask for permission politely. For example:
- 写真を撮ってもいいですか？ (Shashin o totte mo ii desu ka?) – Is it okay if I take a photo?
- お手数ですが (Otesu desu ga):
This phrase is used when making a request that may inconvenience the other person. For example:
- お手数ですが、教えていただけますか？ (Otesu desu ga, oshiete itadakemasu ka?) – I’m sorry to bother you, but could you please tell me?
- お願いできますでしょうか (Onegai dekimasu deshou ka):
This phrase is a more formal and polite way of making a request. For example:
- お願いできますでしょうか、この書類にサインをしていただけますか？ (Onegai dekimasu deshou ka, kono shorui ni sain o shite itadakemasu ka?) – Could I please ask you to sign this document?
- ～てください (～te kudasai):
This is a straightforward and commonly used way to make a request politely. For example:
- 教えてください (Oshiete kudasai) – Please tell me.
When making polite requests, it’s important to use the appropriate level of formality and politeness based on your relationship with the person you’re addressing. These phrases will help you communicate your requests respectfully in Japanese.