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N5 · Phrase guide

Onegaishimasu — The Polite Way to Ask

お願いします

おねがいします

Please (I ask of you)

Nuance

Softens requests without ください's directness. Common when ordering, asking for help, or starting a working relationship.

Cultural note

At restaurants, point and say これをお願いします. In sports or work, it means "I'm counting on you."

Examples

  • ラーメンをお願いします。

    Ramen, please.

    Ordering food

  • 資料をお願いします。

    The document, please.

    Office request

Common mistakes

  • Using only ください in every service situation
  • Omitting it when handing over payment or documents

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Related phrases

これをくださいよろしくお願いします