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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