please visit us again in japanese

11 Natural Ways to Say “Come Here” in Japanese

There is a simple way to say “Come here” in Japanese. However, there are many other less direct and polite ways to say it.  

Here are 10 natural ways to say “Come here” in Japanese.

1. Standard Expression: ここに来て下さい (Koko Ni Kite Kudasai): Please Come Here

ここに来て下さい ( Koko ni kite kudasai ) is the typical phrase that means “Please come here” in Japanese. It is probably the most straightforward way to ask someone to “come here.” However, it sounds a little too direct and can sound childish, so I recommend not using it with people you respect or who have a higher social status than you (your boss, elders, people with a higher seniority than you, etc.).  

ここ ( koko ) means “here.” に ( ni ) is a particle that marks a direction (in this sentence, it means “to here.”)

“来て” ( kite ) is the te -form of the verb 来る ( kuru ), which means “to come.” 下さい ( kudasai ) means “please.”

You could replace the ここに ( koko ni ) with こちらに ( kochira ni ), which also means “here.”  こちらに sounds a bit more conversational and natural.  

1. 見せたいものがあるので、 こちらに来て下さい 。 ( Misetai mono ga aru node kochira ni kite kudasa i . ) I have something to show you, so please come here .

2. コンサートチケットを買うためには、 ここに来て下さい 。 ( Konsāto chiketto o kau tame ni wa koko ni kite kudasai . ) To buy a concert ticket, please come here . 

As mentioned above, 来て ( kite ) is the te -form of the verb 来る ( kuru ). One of the functions of the te -form is to turn verbs into a request. Let’s see how:

Examples:  

1.  来て ！ かわいい猫がいるよ！ ( Kite ! Kawaii neko ga iru yo !) Come here ! There’s a cute cat here!

2.  来て来て ！虹が出てるよ！ ( Kite kite * ! Niji ga deteru yo !) Quick, come here ! Come here! There’s a rainbow!

*Note:   You can say “来て! ( Kite !)” to someone very close to you, such as friends or family. You can also say 来て ( kite ) multiple times together when you are excited, worried, or anytime you want to emphasize that you want someone to come quickly.

2. Casual Expression: ここにおいで (Koko Ni Oide): Come Here

This is a casual way to say, “Come here. ” You could say おいで ( oide ) to tell someone to come, but usually only parents say this to their children or pets. Someone of higher status could say it to someone of lower status as well. Since this expression is casual, it is inappropriate to use it with anyone with a higher social status than you.

1. ポチ！ おいで ！ ( Pochi!  Oide ! ) Pochi!  Come here ! (Pochi is their dog’s name)

2. はなちゃん、おばあちゃんが抱っこしてあげるから おいで 。 ( Hana-chan, obāchan ga dakko shite ageru kara oide .) Hana, grandma will carry you, so come here .

You could replace the ここに ( koko ni ) with こっちに ( kocchi ni ) for any of these sentences.  こっちに also means “here” but is more casual and natural in everyday conversations. こっちに is the casual version of こちらに ( kochira ni ).   Since these example sentences are very casual, using こっちに would be more appropriate.  

3. Rough Expression: ここ/こっちにに来い！(Koko/Kocchi Ni Koi! ): Come Here!  

来い ( koi ) is a very rough way to tell someone to come. Using it in the wrong situation would make it sound rude. Since this is a rough expression, it is used mainly by men. It can be used casually with people you know well, like your friends. Or it could be used by someone of higher status demanding someone to come to them (like a boss and their employees or a parent to their child).  

1. 早く 来い ！遅刻するぞ！ ( Hayaku koi ! Chikoku suru zo !) Come here right now! You’ll be late!

2. 早く 来い ！グズグズ ** するな！ ( Hayaku koi ! Guzuguzu suru na !) Come here right now! We have no time!

**Note:   グズグズする ( guzuguzu suru ) means to take a long time to do something even if there’s not time to spare. If you are irritated at someone and want to say “Hurry up!” or “Don’t waste your time!”, you can say “グズグズしないで！ ( Guzuguzu shinai de !)”. But please remember that this expression is very strong and direct and can come off rude if said to the wrong person.

 3.  来い よ！公園で遊ぼうぜ！ ( Koi yo! Kōen de asobō ze !) Hey! Come here ! Let’s play together in the park!

4. Rough Expression: ここ/こっちにに来なさい (Koko/Kocchi Ni Kinasai ): Come Here! 

来なさい ( kinasai ) is used by both men and women. The nasai -form is often used by parents and teachers when talking to their children or students. This expression is often used as a command, telling someone to do something. Therefore, you would not use it in formal situations or with people with a higher social status than you.  

A teacher is talking to their students:

名前を呼ばれたらここに 来なさい 。 ( Namae o yobaretara koko ni kinasai .) Come here when your name is called.

5. Feminine/Gentle Expression: ここ/こっちににいらっしゃい (Koko/Kocchi Ni Irasshai):  

This is the gentle way to say, “come here.” It sounds feminine, so women primarily use it. However, you would not say ここにいらっしゃい ( Koko ni irasshai .) to other adults if you wanted them to come to you. This is because this phrase has a child-like quality to it, like a mother telling her little child to come to her.

1. 健史くん、 こっちにいらっしゃい 。お母さんがお口を拭いてあげるから。 ( Takeshi-kun kocchi ni irasshai . Okāsan ga okuchi o fuite ageru kara .) Takeshi, come here . I’ll wipe your mouth.

2. はなちゃん、 ここにいらっしゃい 。靴の紐が解けているからお母さんが結んであげる。 ( Hana-chan koko ni irasshai . Kutsu no himo ga hodoketeiru kara okāsan ga musunde ageru .) Han, come here . Your shoelaces are untied. Mama will tie it for you.   

6. Polite Expression: お越しください (Okoshi Kudasai): Please Come (To Visit) Us

This is a polite way to ask someone to come and visit you. Businesses often use this phrase, but you can also use it in your daily conversations to be polite.  

1. 明日までこの絵を展示していますので、是非 お越しください 。 ( Ashita/Asu made kono e o tenji shiteimasu node zehi okoshi kudasa i. ) This painting will be on display until tomorrow, so please come to see it.

2. 我が家に是非 お越しください 。 ( Wagaya ni zehi okoshi kudasa i .) Please come visit us.

7. Polite Expression: いらしてください (Irashite Kudasai): Please Come (To Visit) Us

This is another polite way ( keigo – Japanese honorific langauge ) to ask someone to come and visit you. It is often used by businesses to tell their customers to come again.  

This expression comes from the honorofic verb いらっしゃる ( irassharu ), which means “to be” or “to come/go.” Changing it to the te-form adding ください ( kudasai ) gives you “いらっしゃってください ( Irasshatte kudasai ).” This is a respectful way to tell someone to “please come visit us again.”

いらっしゃってください ( irasshatte kudasai )is often shortened to いらしてください ( irashite kudasai ) which makes it more casual.  

It is better to say いらっしゃってください ( Irasshatte kudasai ) when speaking to people with a high social status (boss, customers, etc.)

1. 我が家に是非 いらしてください。/ いらっしゃってください 。 ( Wagaya ni zehi irashite kudasai . ) / ( irasshatte kudasai .) Please come visit us.

2. 展示会を開催しますので、是非 いらしてください 。/ いらっしゃってください 。 ( Tenjikai o kaisai shimasu node zehi irashite kudasai .) / ( irasshatte kudasai .) We will be holding an exhibition, so please come to see it.

8. Polite Expression: お立ち寄りください (Otachiyori Kudasai): Please Come and Stop By

The nuance of this phrase is, “If you are in the neighborhood/area, please stop by.” It is rare to use this expression in business. It is more often used in people’s everyday conversations. 

お立ち寄りください ( Otachiyori kudasai ) gives off the vibe of “stop by,” which implies a quick visit. So if you want to be extra sincere (and really want someone to come over to your place and hang out), this would not be the best phrase to use.   

9. Polite Expression: おいで下さい (Oide Kudasai) (Polite): Please Come Visit

In expression #2 on this list, we said thatここに おいで ( oide ) is a casual phrase that you shouldn’t use with people who has a higher social status than you. However, using おいで with ください (kudasai) changes it into a polite expression asking someone to come and visit you. This expression is used when talking to people you respect or who have a high social status.  

You might hear “ようこそおいでくださいました。( Yōkoso oide kudasaimashita .)” when you stay at a Japanese-style hotel or inn. This means, “Welcome. Thank you for visiting us.” It can be used as an expression of hospitality in businesses.

1. 我が家へ おいでください 。 ( Wagaya e oide kudasa i . ) Please come visit us.

2. 是非東京へ おいで下さい 。 ( Zehi Tōkyō e oide kudasai . ) Please come visit Tokyo.

If you want to ask someone in an even more gentle and polite way, you can also say:

おいでいただけませんか？ ( Oide itadakemasen ka ?) Would you be able to come and visit us?

3. 我が家へ おいでいただけませんか ？ ( Wagaya e oide itadakemasen ka ?) Would you be able to come and visit us?

10. Very Polite Expression: お待ちしております (Omachi Shite Orimasu): I Will Be Waiting for You

It means “I/We will be waiting for you.” This is a convenient expression because it can be used not only for people but also for things such as emails, phone calls, etc.

If you want to be super polite, you can say:  お待ち申し上げております。 ( Omachi mōshiagete orimasu. ) I will (humbly) wait for you.  

However, keep in mind that this phrase makes it very formal.  It is used in business settings or very formal situations.  It is not used in casual conversations.  

1. 隆史: 明日は１０時に伺います。 Takashi : ( Asu / Ashita wa jyūji ni ukagaimasu .) Takashi: I will visit you at 10 o’clock tomorrow.

    洋子: お待ちしております。/ お待ち申し上げております 。 Y ō ko : ( Omachi shite orimasu ./ Omachi mōshiagete orimasu .) Yoko: I will be waiting for you.  

2. 隆史: 会議の日程が決まったら連絡して欲しいのですが。 Takashi : ( Kaigi no nittei ga kimattara renraku shite hoshii no desu ga .) Takashi: Would you be able to contact me when the schedule for the meeting is decided?

    洋子: かしこまりました。決まり次第ご連絡致します。 Yōko : ( Kashikomarimashita. Kimari shidai gorenraku itashimasu .) Yoko: Ok. I will let you know as soon as it is decided.

    隆史：お待ちしております。/ お待ち申し上げております。 Takashi : ( Omachi shite orimasu . / Omachi mōshiagete orimasu .) Takashi: I’ll be waiting to hear from you.

11. Polite Expression: 足を運ぶ (Ashi O Hakobu): Come All the Way 

足 ( ashi ) means “foot or leg,” and 運ぶ ( hakobu ) means “to bring, to carry.” So this expression can be translated as “bringing your feet/legs somewhere. In other words, you went the extra mile to “come all this way.” 

You should never use this expression to talk about yourself (i.e., “I came all this way.” It would be considered rude if you tell your boss or someone you need to respect that you made an “extra” effort to come and see them.  

So be sure to use this expression only when talking about someone else.  

Correct Usage: Talking About Someone Else

わざわざ 足を運んで いただきありがとうございます。 ( Wazawaza ashi o hakonde itadaki arigatō gozaimasu .) Thank you for taking the trouble to come all this way . (The subject is “you” in this sentence.)

Incorrect Usage: Talking About Yourself

あなたに会うために私は 足を運びました 。 ( Anata ni au tame ni watashi wa ashi o hakobimashita .) I came all the way to see you. (The subject is “I” in this sentence.) – If you say this, people may think you are being sarcastic.  

Using Gestures: USA Vs Japan

Do you know that the gesture for the phrase “go away” in the USA means the opposite in Japan? In the USA, putting your fingers down and waving them towards yourself signals someone to go away. However, this gesture means “come here” in Japan, as long as the gesture is made with the fingers and not the whole arm.  

This is just a small thing, but it can make a big difference!

Yumi Nakata

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16 Ways to Say “Please” in Japanese from Onegai and Onward

Being polite is an integral part of Japanese culture.

So knowing how to say “please” in Japanese is a must for social interactions!

You may know some of the basics, like  onegai and kudesai.  But do you know how and when to actually use them? 

And what if you need to say “please” in some more specific social situations? 

Read on to learn everything you need to know about the polite word, “please”!

お願い (Onegai) — Please

お願いします (onegai shimasu) — please [polite].

• お願い申し上げます (Onegai moushi agemasu) — I humbly request [very polite]

ください (Kudasai) — Please [for a request]

ちょうだい (choudai) — please give, プリーズ (purīzu) — please [casual], 願わくば (negawakuba) — if i may humbly request, …いただけないでしょうか (…itadakenaideshou ka) — could you please, additional phrases to use with “please” in japanese, 是非 (zehi) — by all means, absolutely, もしよろしければ (moshi yoroshikereba) — if it’s okay with you, ご検討いただければ幸いです (gokentou itadakereba saiwai desu) — i would be grateful if you could consider, どうか (douka) — somehow, 申し訳ございませんが… (moushiwake gozaimasenga…) — i’m sorry, but…, 大変お手数ですが… (taihen otesuu desu ga…) — i apologize for the trouble, but…, お時間のある時に (o-jikan no aru toki ni) — at your convenience, ご都合の良い時に (go-tsugou no yoi toki ni) — when it suits you , and one more thing....

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This is the most basic way to say “please” in Japanese, and the one you’re most likely to already know. It’s a neutral, all-purpose way to say “please.”

The term originates from the Japanese verb “negau” (願う), which means “to wish” or “to request.” So literally, the word means “I request.”

Not sure which form of please to use? This is the general term to default to. You’ll be understood in any situation!

もう少し静かにして、 お願い 。 (Mōsukoshi shizuka ni shite, onegai .) — Please be a bit quieter.

お会計 お願い 。 (O-kaikei onegai .) — Please bring the bill.

You better believe that in Japanese, the already polite word “please” has several even more polite forms!

Onegai shimasu is a more polite form of  onegai, which means you generally use it when making a request to someone of higher status or authority, or just in a more formal setting. 

It’s a combination of お願い (onegai), meaning “request” or “favor,” and the polite verb ending します (shimasu), which is the polite form of the verb “to do.” Together, it translates to “please do (something)” or “please (do) me a favor.”

会議の資料を送ってもらえると助かります。 お願いします 。 (Kaigi no shiryou o okutte moraeru to tasukari masu. Onegai shimasu. ) — It would be helpful if you could send me the meeting materials. Please.

お願いします 、あなたのアドバイスが必要です。 ( Onegai shimasu, anata no adobaisu ga hitsuyou desu.) — Please, I need your advice.

お願い申し上げます (Oneg ai moushi  agemasu)  — I humbly request [very polite]

This is the most polite form of  onegai,  the final evolution in formality, if you will. The expression adds the polite “moushiagemasu,” which is a humble form of the verb “to say” or “to express.” 

It’s used in the most formal situations, such as when making a request to a dignitary. You’re not that likely to use it yourself (unless you’ve got some connections in the higher echelons of Japanese society) but you might hear it in news reports or other official media. 

お手伝いいただければ幸いです。 お願い申し上げます 。 (O-tetsudai itadakereba saiwai desu. Onegai moushi agemasu .) — I would be grateful if you could help. I sincerely request your assistance.

こちらをお貸しいただけますと助かります。 お願い申し上げます 。 (Kochira wo okashi itadakemasuto tasukari masu. Onegai moushi agemasu .) — I would appreciate it if you could lend me this. Thank you very much.

Kudasai is derived from the verb くださる (kudasaru), which is a polite way of saying “to give” or “to do for me.” 

The word is a more casual and direct way of making a request. It’s used in most everyday situations and doesn’t carry the same respect and humility as  onegai. 

If you just want to ask your sister to pass the salt, use kudasai. If you want to ask your coworker to help you carry all your notes to the meeting, use onegai.  

It’s pretty easy to use, as you can literally just add  kudasai  to whatever it is you want. If you’re requesting a noun, use this sentence structure:

 [Object] をください ([Object] o kudasai)

For a verb, you’ll need to use the verb’s te-form, like this: 

[Verb in te-form] ください ([Verb in te-form] kudasai)

飲み物を ください 。 (Nomimono o kudasai .) — Please give me a drink.

座って ください 。 (Suwatte kudasai .) — Please sit down.

メニューを ください 。 (Menyū o kudasai .) — Please give me the menu.

Choudai is similar to  kudasai in usage and meaning, but it’s a more casual term. It has a childish ring to it—picture a little kid asking their parent to buy them something at the store. 

水を ちょうだい 。 (Mizu o choudai .) — Water, please.

本を ちょうだい 。 (Hon o choudai .) — The book, please.

もう一度説明して ちょうだい 。 (Mō ichido setsumei shite choudai .) — Please explain it again.

Sound familiar? This is a borrowed word from English, used in very casual settings. It’s especially used among younger people, usually in spoken communication. 

もう一度教えてくれる？ プリーズ 。 (Mou ichido oshiete kureru? Purīzu .) — Can you tell me one more time? Please.

ちょっと手伝ってくれる？ プリーズ 。 (Chotto tetsudatte kureru? Purīzu .) — Can you help me for a moment? Please.

Here’s one for the history books, literally. This term is an archaic expression that literally means “if it may be wished for.” The phrase is used to express a polite request or a wish, often found in formal or written language. It’s not commonly used in everyday spoken Japanese, but you might encounter it in literature or older texts.

願わくば 、お手すきの際にお知らせいただければと存じます。 ( Negawakuba , otesuki no sai ni oshirase itadakereba tozonjimasu.) — If I may humbly request, I would appreciate it if you could let me know when you have a moment.

願わくば 、ご意見をお聞かせいただければと考えております。 ( Negawakuba , otesuki no sai ni oshirase itadakereba tozonjimasu.) — If I may be so bold as to ask, I would like to hear your opinion.

This one might sound familiar, too—it’s rooted in the verb だく (itadaku), which means “to receive” and is also the root for the phrase you say before you eat,  itadakimasu. 

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of this expression: 

• いただけない (Itadakenai): This is the potential form of the verb いただく (itadaku), which means “to receive” or “to be given.” The potential form here implies the ability or possibility to receive or do something.
• でしょうか (deshou ka): This is a polite expression that is often added to a sentence to make a request. It softens the request and adds a sense of politeness.

So, the whole phrase いただけないでしょうか (…Itadakenaideshou ka) translates to something like “Could I receive?” or “Would it be possible for me to receive?” This expression is commonly used in formal or polite situations where you want to make a request in a respectful manner.

この資料をお送り いただけないでしょうか ？ (Kono shiryou wo o-okuri itadakenaideshou ka ?) — Could you please send me this document?

この問題について助言を いただけないでしょうか ？ (Kono mondai ni tsuite jogen o itadakenaideshou ka ?) — Could you please give me some advice on this issue?

The following words don’t mean “please” on their own. Instead, they’re often used in conjunction with one of the words you just learned above.

They can make the difference between a simple request like “Menu, please” and “If it’s convenient for you, by all means, please procure the menu for me.” 

Of course, you don’t have to go full Jeeves on the waiter like I did in the above example, but the phrases below add an extra layer of politeness and consideration for the person you’re asking something of. 

Need more help with figuring out when to use which expression? An authentic-media-based program like FluentU can help by providing tons of context for learners.

This phrase is used to express strong desire or intention, close to the English expression “would you kindly?”

It can be used to emphasize a request or to make it clear that you’re asking for something specifically. It’s often used to convey a strong recommendation or a sincere desire for something to be done. 

是非 、お知らせください。 ( Zehi, oshirase kudasai.) — By all means, please let me know.

是非 、ご意見をお聞かせください。 ( Zehi, go-iken o okikase kudasai.) — Absolutely, please share your opinion with us.

This phrase politely asks for something if it’s convenient for the other person. It’s a good expression to use when you’re asking for permission, making a suggestion or making a polite request from someone. 

もしよろしければ 、明日の会議にご参加いただけますでしょうか？ ( Moshi yoroshikereba , ashita no kaigi ni go-sanka itadakemasu deshou ka?) — If it’s okay with you, could you please join the meeting tomorrow?

その資料を もしよろしければ 、ご確認いただけますでしょうか？ (Sono shiryou o moshi yoroshikereba , go-kakunin itadakemasu deshou ka?) — If it’s okay with you, could you please review that document?

This extra formal phrase is often used in formal or business communication to politely request someone’s thoughtful consideration or review of a matter. 

ご検討いただければ幸いです 。新しいプロジェクトにご参加いただけますと幸いです。 ( Gokentou itadakereba saiwai desu . Atarashii purojekuto ni go-sanka itadakemasu to saiwai desu.) — I would be grateful if you could consider it. I would appreciate it if you could participate in the new project.

この提案を ご検討いただければ幸いです 。 (Kono teian wo gokentou itadakereba saiwai desu . ) — I would be grateful if you could consider this proposal. 

This emphasizes your wish or request, often used with other formal phrases like “onegaishimasu.” It’s used to make a polite request or to express a hope or wish, giving your request a more earnest tone. 

どうか お願いします。 ( Douka onegaishimasu.) — Please, I humbly request.

お手数をおかけしますが、 どうか お願いいたします。   (Otesuu wo okake shimasu ga, douka onegai itashimasu.) — I apologize for the inconvenience, but please, I request [your understanding/help].”

This phrase is often used to convey a sense of apology or to soften the impact of delivering unwelcome news. You can use it in conjunction with the words that mean “please” to apologize for any inconvenience before making a request. 

お手数をおかけして 申し訳ございませんが 、もう一度ご確認いただけますでしょうか？ (Otesuu wo okakeshite moushiwake gozaimasen ga , mou ichido go-kakunin itadakemasu deshou ka?) — I’m sorry, but could you please check it again for me?

申し訳ございませんが 、もう一度お時間をいただければと存じます。 ( Moushiwake gozaimasen ga , mou ichido o-jikan wo itadakereba to zonjimasu.) — I’m sorry, but if I could have a little more of your time, I would appreciate it.

This phrase acknowledges that the request might be troublesome before asking. It’s another way to express an apology before making a request.

大変お手数ですが 、今一度メールをご確認いただけますでしょうか？ ( Taihen otesuu desu ga , ima ichido me-ru wo go-kakunin itadakemasu deshou ka?) — I’m sorry to bother you, but could you please check your email once again?

大変お手数ですが 、お名前と連絡先を教えていただけますでしょうか？ ( Taihen otesuu desu ga , o-namae to renrakusaki wo oshiete itadakemasu deshou ka?) — I apologize for the trouble, but could you please provide your name and contact information?

Use this one exactly as you’d use the English translation, to ask for something from someone else when they have the time to complete your request. It’s a polite way to ask for someone’s time or attention without directly imposing on their schedule. 

Although it can be used in any formality level, it’s more on the formal side and is more often used in professional settings. 

お時間のある時に 、お電話いただけますでしょうか？ ( O-jikan no aru toki ni , o-denwa itadakemasu deshou ka?) — When you have a moment, would you please give me a call?

お時間のある時に 、ご意見をお聞かせいただけますと幸いです。 ( O-jikan no aru toki ni , go-iken wo o-kikase itadakemasuto saiwai desu.) — When you have time, I would be happy if you could share your opinions.

This phrase is very similar to the previous, with a stronger emphasis on the request recipient’s convenience. It’s another polite way to request someone’s time or attention. 

ご都合の良い時に 、ご一緒にランチはいかがでしょうか？ ( Go-tsugou no yoi toki ni , go-issho ni ranchi ikaga deshou ka?) — Whenever you’re free, how about going to lunch together?

ご都合の良い時に 、この提案についてご検討いただけますでしょうか？ ( Go-tsugou no yoi toki ni , kono teian ni tsuite go-kentou itadakemasu deshou ka?) — At your convenience, could you please consider this proposal?

Now go ahead and study these ways to say “please” in Japanese, at your earliest convenience. Please and thank you!

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How to Say “Please in Japanese”: Mastering Politeness

The most common way to express "please" is "ください (kudasai)", which is used when asking for something. This word is usually placed at the end of a sentence after the object that you are requesting. Another term, "お願いします (onegaishimasu)", is often used in a more formal or solemn context. It is generally used to make serious requests or ask for favors.

Table of Contents

If you've ever interacted with Japanese culture, you'll know that politeness and respect are deeply ingrained in its fabric. Central to this is the concept of saying 'please' - a simple yet powerful word that can transform a command into a polite request. 

In this blog post, we'll explore the different ways of saying 'please', including 'kudasai', 'onegai shimasu', 'douzo', and 'chodai'. Each phrase will be examined in depth, looking at its nuances, usage, and pronunciation. 

The post will also provide examples of common phrases incorporating 'please', giving you practical knowledge that you can apply in real-life situations.

Let's get started!

'Kudasai' (ください): A Casual Request

One of the most common ways to say 'please' in Japanese is 'kudasai'. This word springs from the verb 'kudasaru' meaning 'to give'. While it sounds formal in English, 'kudasai' is actually quite casual in Japanese!

Exploring the Usage of 'Kudasai' 

Kudasai' is generally used when you're asking for something that the other person has. For instance, if you're at a restaurant and want to ask for water, you'd say 'mizu o kudasai' ('water, please') . It's that simple!

Appropriate Situations to Use 'Kudasai'

'Kudasai' is perfect for casual situations or when you're talking to someone with whom you're familiar. It's also widely used with strangers or in customer service, especially when asking for an item or a favor. 

'Onegai Shimasu' (お願いします): Asking for a Favor

Another popular way to say 'please' in Japanese is 'onegai shimasu'. It carries a sense of earnest desire or request and could be translated as 'I request this of you'. 

It's a notch up from 'kudasai' in terms of formality, giving your request an extra layer of respectfulness.

Diving into the Formalities of 'Onegai Shimasu'

'Onegai shimasu' is generally used when making a formal request or pleading for a favor. It's derived from 'negau', which means 'to wish' or 'to request'. 

You can use it when asking for something that the other person doesn't necessarily have at the moment. For example, if you're asking a friend to do you a future favor, you might say 'onegai shimasu'.

Instances Where 'Onegai Shimasu' is Most Apt

'Onegai shimasu' is ideal for business settings or when you're interacting with someone in a higher social position. It's a way to show that you respect their authority or position. 

For example, if you're asking your boss for some time off, you might say 'yasumi o onegai shimasu' ('I request time off, please'). It's all about adding that extra layer of respect!

'Douzo' (どうぞ): Giving a Favor

Shifting gears, we have 'douzo' – a term that's not just about asking, but also about giving! In Japanese, 'douzo' is an incredibly gracious way to say 'please', but it's more than that. 

It's often used when offering something to someone else, whether it's a seat on the train, a slice of cake at a party, or the last piece of sushi on the plate.

Understanding the Grace of 'Douzo'

The beauty of 'douzo' lies in its gentle tone and sense of courtesy. It's like saying 'please, go ahead' or 'please, be my guest'. It carries a feeling of warmth and hospitality, making the other person feel welcomed and respected.

The Right Time and Place for 'Douzo'

'Douzo' is a versatile term that fits equally well in casual and formal situations. It's perfect when you're hosting a dinner party and offering the first dish to your guests, or when you're holding the door open for a stranger. In a nutshell, 'douzo' is the Japanese equivalent of extending your hand in generosity and politeness. 

So, the next time you're in a position to offer something, remember to do it with a gracious 'douzo'!

'Chodai' (頂戴): Receiving Something

Another important phrase to know is 'chodai', which means 'please give me' or 'receive'. It's usually used when asking someone for something, whether it's a favor or an object. 

Understanding the Meaning of 'Chodai'

At first glance, 'chodai' might seem like an ordinary request, but it's actually much more than that. By saying 'chodai', you're asking someone to take the time and effort to give you something. It conveys a sense of respect and appreciation for the person offering their help – something that's especially important in Japanese culture. 

What 'Chodai' is Used For?

Much like 'douzo', 'chodai' is a versatile phrase that can be used in both formal and informal situations. It's perfect when asking a colleague for advice or asking your friend to lend you something. 

In any case, 'chodai' is the perfect way to show your appreciation when requesting something from someone else! 

Common Phrases Incorporating 'Please'

Incorporating 'please' in your sentences is an excellent way to politely request something. The Japanese language is filled with phrases that reflect this concept. 

How to Ask for Something Politely

When asking for something, the use of 'please' softens the request and shows respect. In Japanese, you can use 'kudasai' (ください) after the object you're asking for. For instance, if you're asking for water, you'd say 'mizu o kudasai', which translates to 'water, please'.

Examples of Daily Conversations with 'Please'

Let's see some daily life examples of using 'please' in conversations:

• 'Shashin o toru koto ga dekimasu ka, kudasai?' - 'Can I take a photo, please?'
• 'Menyū, onegaishimasu.' - 'The menu, please.'
• 'Kōhī o kudasai.' - 'Coffee, please.'

Remember, using 'please' in your conversations is a simple but effective way to show politeness and respect - especially important in Japanese culture.

Related Posts:

• The Different Ways to Say 'You' in Japanese
• The 18 Best Books to Learn Japanese
• The Definitive Way to Say 'Shut Up' in Japanese with Context
• How to Say Hello in Japanese: 20 Japanese Greetings…
• The Best Ways to Learn Japanese Online [2023]
• How to Say 'Thank You' in Japanese: Mastering Gratitude

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How to Say Please in Japanese – 5 Ways!

The other day I went over many ways to say thank you, so it only makes sense to cover please as well. Today’s lesson is going into depth on how to say please in Japanese.

If you’re planning on visiting Japan this year, or next, then this should in the top ten words you MUST know!

You’d be surprised how much you can accomplish by using body language (pointing, gestures, etc.) along with please and thank you in Japanese .

Let’s see the many different ways to say it, and the situations that are appropriate for each one.

1. 下さい (kudasai)

The first way to say please in Japanese that I wanted to cover today is 下さい (kudasai) which is usually just written in hiragana as ください instead of with its 下 kanji. However, you’ll see it both ways, so now you know what it looks like.

This word can easily be understood to mean please give me or please do for me and is something that you will probably hear and use every single day in Japanese.

I wanted to provide some example sentences that help to show both of these potential meanings so that they are easier to understand, so let’s get into some of them right now.

Please give me that.

sore o kudasai.

Please give me a copy of the document.

書類のコピーをください。

shorui no kopī o kudasai.

I’ll have green tea, please.

ocha o kudasai.

In this first usage of ください, all you really have to do is first state the noun that you want, followed by the (w)o-particle and then ください.

With this pattern of “NOUNをください” you can ask for virtually anything you can think of.

If you then combine it with words like これ (kore) for “this” and それ (sore) for “that” then you don’t even have to know the names of the things you want. You can simply point to or show them to the person listening.

Let’s move on to the second way we can use kudasai .

Please sit down.

suwatte kudasai.

Please lend (it) to me.

kashite kudasai.

Please listen to what I’m saying!

話を聞いてくださいよ！

hanashi o kiite kudasai yo!

Any time you want to ask a person to perform some sort of action, you can use the verb in combination with ください in order to politely say “please do this thing.”

Now here’s the trick, you have to put the verb (the action you want the other person to do) into its te-form before combining it with ください.

If you’re not sure how to correctly conjugate a particular verb, then I recommend you enter it into Jisho.org and then press the Show inflections button on the left-hand side. This ought to bring up a list that will show many different forms of the verb.

Here is an example for the verb “to drink” which is 飲む (nomu):

Using this online dictionary, it’s pretty easy to find the right form which you can then use for the phrase.

2. 頂戴 (chōdai)

In Japanese, there are a lot of different words that all get translated into the same English word when you plop them into a dictionary or translator.

It used to frustrate me to no end, because I could never figure out why Japanese had three words, when we only had the one in English. Furthermore, I never knew when I should use one form or the other in any given situation.

This is a common problem that a lot of beginners run into, and the confusion can actually be cleared up pretty quickly with a good explanation.

In fact, that’s what today’s lesson is all about!

This next phrase we are going to learn is essentially the same as ください, expect that it is the informal version of it.

The word I’m talking about is 頂戴 (chōdai) which can be spelled a couple ways such as the one that you just saw, or in all hiragana as ちょうだい, or even an alternate kanji spelling as in 頂だい.

Generally speaking through, it is almost always written completely in hiragana.

So, if you read all about ください in Section-1 of this article, then you should already know how to use and understand ちょうだい.

Please give me a bite (of that)!

hito kuchi chōdai!

The difference between these two forms of the words is that ください is the standard, polite way, while ちょうだい is the informal way which you would be more likely to use with close friends and family.

One final difference is that ちょうだい is used by Japanese women much more often than Japanese men, so if you are a guy then it might be safer to stick with ください to avoid sounding too feminine when you speak Japanese.

3. お願いします (onegai shimasu)

Now we get to the other major way to say please in Japanese (the first one was ください).

The word for this part is お願いします (o negai shimasu) and it if you were to translate it into English literally, it would sound something like “I request you to do me an honorable favor.”

However, お願いします is pretty much a set phrase at this point because it gets used frequently in Japanese for all sorts of different situations.

The most common situation is where you are entrusting a matter to someone else, or you are counting on them to do something (a good job, be there on time, etc.) and you end the encounter with お願いします.

One more please, please (while they take your photo).

もう一枚お願いします。

mō ichi mai onegai shimasu

Some wine, please.

ワインをお願いします。

wain o o-negai shimasu

Now this last example could have switched out ください for お願いします and it essentially would have meant the same thing, but there are subtle differences between these two words.

The word ください is considered sonkeigo which means “honorific language” and its purpose is to elevate the position of the listener . That is, the person whom you are speaking with.

The word お願いします is considered kenjougo which means “humble language” and its purpose is to lower the position of the speaker . In other words, you are bringing your own position down when using it (and thus indirectly elevating the other person).

So here’s the big takeaway when it comes to these two words:

There are many times when you can use them interchangeable. The most common example is any time when you are asking for a thing, like a drink.

Besides that commonality between the two, there are notable differences that you should be aware of. For example, you should only use the te-form of verbs with ください (or ちょうだい).

On the flip side of things, there are many phrases where お願いします is an indispensable part and nothing else will do. A good example is when you meet someone for the first time.

It’s nice to meet you (literally: please treat me favorably)

yoroshiku o negai shimasu

Another common situation is where someone says that they are going to do something, and you just want to say something along the lines of “yeah, please do that. It would be really great of you.”

In these cases, you can simple say お願いします with enthusiasm as your reply.

Really? Well then, yes please!

本当ですか？じゃあ、お願いします！

hontō desu ka? jā, o negai shimasu!

Keep this understanding of the word in your mind, and then pay attention to how it is used in native materials such as books or shows to really get a feel for when you should be using it too.

4. どうぞ (dōzo)

You know how in movies when someone enters the house of a rich person and the butler shows them around and then says something like “Please make yourself comfortable while the master returns.”

Well that type of “please” where you are essentially giving people permission to do something uses a specific word in Japanese.

The word is どうぞ (dōzo) and it is also a pretty handy one to know.

It can have some other usages, like when a person brings you something that is yours (like a meal, or your belongings) to you, they will typically use it.

Here’s your coat.

あなたのコートをどうぞ。

anata no kōto o dōzo.

But for the context of this article, we can just focus on those situations where it equals the English please .

This way please (when showing the way to someone).

kochira e dōzo.

Please, come in.

どうぞ、お入り下さい。

dōzo, o hairi kudasai.

Hey, check it out! We used two words for please in that last one!

You can never be too polite in Japanese (^_^)b

One interesting phrase that どうぞ is a regular part of is when giving a present to someone. The standard phrase to use literally says “This is a boring thing, but please (accept it anyway).”

Please accept this gift.

つまらない物ですけど、どうぞ。

tsumaranai mono desu kedo, dōzo.

5. プリーズ (puriizu)

And of course I just had to end the list with the English loan word プリーズ (puriizu) which is basically the exact same word, expect that you replace the English “L” with the Japanese “R” and then pronounce each katakana like the Japanese do.

This final word I hardly hear used at all. If I were you, I’d save this one as a last resort. Or if you’re joking around when using it, that’s probably fine.

But the first four are really where the money’s at when it comes to saying please in Japanese.

Further Resources for Learning Japanese:

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15 thoughts on “How to Say Please in Japanese – 5 Ways!”

Great stuff mate, one of the best pieces of content on Japanese I’ve come across on web 🙂

The examples are so practical, learnt new phrases and enhanced my vocabulary as well in the process!!

Hey pal, I really like your post. There’s just one little thing I’ve got to bother you about. You wrote つまらない物ですけど、どうぞ。 as tsumaranai mono desu ga, dōzo. But it says ‘tsumaranai mono desu `kedo`. Otherwise, great content!! Keep going 😀

Ah dude, I totally missed that! Thanks for the heads up, got it corrected now.

You have made this an easy learning process to say please in Japanese, it’s been covered very well. I think learning new languages is a fun experience. At high school I learned Spanish and French at primary, so Japanese is something different. This will definitely help people like me who want to visit Japan. 

Yeah, it’s pretty interesting because tourism has been increasing in Japan each and every year, and in fact this year Japan saw the most foreigners of all time!

I think with the advent of the internet, and the wide distribution of smart phones to connect to said internet, more and more people are learning about Japan, anime, manga, geisha, samurai, sushi, etc. and are really gaining a passion for this unique culture and its people.

That being said, pretty much everyone I talk to wants to visit Japan at least once in their life! And if you’re gonna go, then you better know a couple basic words. My blog has a ton of them, so any help I can give, I’m happy to do!

I’ve only learned one language other than English and that was Spanish in high school and college. After reading this page it is obvious that your knowledge of the Japanese language is extensive. The way you present the 5 ways to say “Please” is well done. Are there any similarities between Japanese and Spanish? I’m interested in visiting Japan someday.

Hey Calvin, yeah I also studies some Spanish in college, although I hate to admit I didn’t take is very seriously back then, and as a result my skills with the language now are pretty much non-existent. 

As for the similarities between Japanese and Spanish, I know that many of their vowel sounds are identical to one another, and so when it comes to speaking Japanese, people who’s native language is Spanish actually have an advantage over native English people.

But besides that, I’m not too sure of any other similarities. 

Oh this is absolutely fabulous! This is great with the pronunciations and everything. So easy to follow. My husband travels to Japan several times a year, and we just love the culture. I found your website a while ago, and I’m addicted to it now. Every time you come out with a new article, I’m so excited. Thanks for such great info. There’s just not that much out there on this.

Hey Babsie, glad to hear it! Yeah, I try to help people learn the pronunciations as best as can, but of course reading it can never be a full substitute for listening to the real thing. 

That’s why I like to recommend excellent Japanese courses to people, since they have hours and hours of natives speaking.

Hopefully people can use my site as a useful resource to improve though! 

Fantastic article thanks 🙂

I’ve really wanted to learn Japanese for the longest time, I even have a cd set and book,but your site has really broken everything down for me in manageable chunks.

I have always been so confused when it came to the formal and informal versions of each, does o always help making things more formal?

Hey Mat, yeah for the most part, adding を (o) before a noun makes it more formal or polite. It’s kind of like saying that something is “honorable.” If you watch a medieval movie in English and someone says “O Great King,” it’s similar to that.

Hello Nick. Very informative. I like how you wrote the content. You made it easy to understand and included the Japanese “lettering” (I apologize if that is the wrong term). Is your entire website toward Japanese language learning? I liked the color of it, I noticed as soon as I got on. It was easy to learn the words. Good job and all the best.

Hey Billy, thanks I’m glad you liked it! I’m a little new to “blogging” and writing posts so I’m always trying to present the information in such a way that makes it easy for people. I appreciate the kind words! ^_^

I love the idea of accelerated learning, when it comes to languages, so when I came across your site, I was very excited.

I can speak several languages and have used various techniques to do so. Japanese is definitely on my list, and so your site will be one that I’m bookmarking to help me when I get there.

Thanks again – Steve

Hey Steve, very cool! Speaking several languages sounds pretty awesome! This site is still pretty new, but I’m working on adding newer things to it each and every week. Hopefully you’ll find something useful!

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Different ways to express “Again” in Japanese

In this post I’d like to go over a few days to express the idea of “again” in Japanese language, keeping in mind the particular nuance of each.

1) “また” is a simple way to say “again”, and is pretty well known by even beginning Japanese learners due to some common expressions it is used in:

• またね   (see you again)
• また明日 (see you tomorrow)
• また今度 (see you later)

These are sometimes prefixed by “じゃ” which translates to something like “Well…”.

You can use また in sentences to mean “again”, but sometimes this word can have a negative connotation and isn’t particularly polite.

• You did it again?

また or または can also be used to mean “also” in more formal Japanese.

2) If you’re speaking polite Japanese or you want to use a slightly more formal expression, you can say “改めて” (あらためて)  which comes from the verb 改める, meaning “to renew or change”.

• 改めて自己紹介をします。
• I’ll introduce myself again.

3) “もう一回” literally means “one more time” and can be used in the same sense as “again”. This word doesn’t have the rough connotation of また and is a little safer for general use.

• もう一回言ってください。
• Say that again please.
• 頭からもう一回練習しようね。
• Let’s practice once more from the beginning.

You can replace もう一回 with もう一度 without any change in meaning.

4) You can also express the idea of “again” with the suffix “〜直す” (〜なおす). You simply add this word after the pre-masu form (i.e. “ね” for the verb “ねる”).

” 直す” literally means “to fix”, and accordingly this grammatical construction has the connotation of fixing something. For beginner students I would recommend just sticking to some of the more common forms and eventually experimenting with this suffix on other words once you get comfortable hearing it.

• 寝直す　　(go back to sleep)
• やり直す    (redo)
• 言い直す    (restate, correct)
• 考え直す    (rethink)
• 読み直す    (read again, re-read)

One mistake I’ve made is to say something like the following:

• 映画をもう一回見直したい。
• I’d like to watch this movie once more.   [incorrect]

The Japanese sentence isn’t technically incorrect but the English translation is. A better translation would be:

• I’d like to  re watch this movie once more.

Now you can see this implies watching the movie at least for a 3rd time, which is not my intention. I should have said one of these phrases:

• 映画をもう一回みたい。

5) 再, pronounced さい,  is a prefix which means ‘again’. However I have only seen it used with a few words, for example:

• 再挑戦 – challenge again
• 再確認 – reverify (“check again”)
• 再利用 – recycle (“use again”)

6) If you want to use “again” in a negative sense, as in “I’ll never ~ again”, you can use this pattern:

• もう + [verb in negative tense]

For example,

• 僕はもう船に乗らない。
• I’ll never ride a boat again.

You can add 二度と after もう if you want to make a stronger statement.

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6 thoughts on “ Different ways to express “Again” in Japanese ”

For #5, sometimes I see that Kanji used not as a prefix, but just as a word (再び / futatabi) to mean again. Like, the example I saw was 再び日本に行った meaning “I went to Japan again.” But I’ve only really ever seen it used in sentences with 行く.

Do you know if it is uncommon to use 再び for “again”?

I think the word 再び is not used that commonly, and when it is, it has a ‘literary’ connotation (文語). I did a quick search and found a post that confirms that hunch:

https://hinative.com/ja/questions/1095645

Thank you, this was quite helpful! How would I say something like “I’m sick again”, with emphasis on again? また病気になってしまった???

Yes, what you said is a good way to express it. You could also abbreviate as また病気になっちゃった.

If you were trying to express frustration over someone else being sick you could say ”また病気かよ”.

The word 再発 means “reoccurrence” of a certain medical condition, you might be able to use this word to in some cases.

In 5) you have incorrect translation: 再確認 – recycle

Thank you for the article. Your blog is very inspiring.

Thanks for pointing that out. I fixed it.

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“Please” in Japanese – A way to show politeness

Today, we’re going to find out how to say “please” in Japanese. And while it may sound like a simple venture, there are quite a few ways to say “please” in Japanese in different situations (unlike English).

Japanese culture is all about respect, politeness, and formalities. That is why it’s something that every learner needs not only to improve their communication skills but also to be a nice person in general!

So grab your helmets and get ready for this academic ride!

• 1 Saying “please” in Japanese – Sentence structure
• 2.1.1 A note on お願いします (onegaishimasu)
• 2.2 どうぞ (douzo)
• 3.1 ください (kudasai)
• 3.2 ちょうだい (choudai｜頂戴)
• 3.3 プリーズ (puriizu)
• 4 A final note on saying “please” in Japanese

Saying “please” in Japanese – Sentence structure

A quick and easy grammar note worth clarifying before moving on any further is about Japanese sentence structure . When making polite requests in Japanese, “please” always comes at the very end of the request! So, whereas in English, you may say, “please pass the salt, ” this doesn’t work in Japanese.

Instead, you’d have to use the conjugation te form with kudasai, like しおをとってください (shio wo totte kudasai | 塩を取ってください), which is literally “pass me the salt, please. ”

More on ください (kudasai) in just a moment. For now and just keep in mind that these “please” words always come at the end of a request!

How to say “please” in Japanese formally

Before anything else, let us remind you that context is king in Japanese! When questioning context, one of the most important factors to consider is how respectful or polite you should be with whomever you’re engaging.

As a general rule, it’s always better to be more respectful when conversing with someone if you’re ever in doubt about where you stand, and for that reason, we’ll learn Japanese formal guidelines for saying “please” first and foremost!

おねがいします (onegaishimasu | お願いします)

Here is the most polite way to say “please” in Japanese, and it’s something you’ll encounter all the time in Japan – during train announcements, written on official notices, when checking out at the clothing store, asking for something in a restaurant, you name it.

It’s best to use this expression in most situations when talking with strangers, clerks, doctors, a taxi driver, etc. Here are some examples of when you can use this expression.

そのちいさいビールをおねがいします(sono chiisai biiru wo onegaishimasu | その小さいビールをお願いします)

That small beer, please.

This phrase is also used when requesting a service you cannot fulfill yourself, be it an abstract object or something more concrete

せんだいえきまでおねがいします (sendai eki made onegaishimasu | 仙台駅までお願いします)

Please (take me) to Sendai Station.

ごりかいをおねがいします(gorikai wo onegaishimasu | ご理解をお願いします)

We ask for your patience (please).

On the other hand, you can use this phrase on its own if the request has already been stated, is otherwise implied, or is confirmed.

Masako: そしてすいようびまでおみせをしめてあげる？(soshite suiyoubi made omise wo shimeteageru?|そして水曜日までお店を占めてあげる？)

So then, I should keep the store closed for you until Wednesday?

Yuki:お願いします (onegaishimasu)

(Yes) Please!

A note on お願いします (onegaishimasu)

This expression is used to lower oneself and honor those to who you are speaking. As such, this phrase can be thought of as a spoken bow in Japanese culture. Even before competitive matches or sports, お願いします (onegaishimasu) is spoken to the opposition before the games begin.

Originally, this expression comes from ねがう (negau|願う), a verb meaning “to hope.” In fact, the noun form of this verb is ねがい (negai|願い) which is a hope or a wish, and is a common Japanese word worth remembering!

どうぞ (douzo)

This phrase for please in Japanese is used when you want someone to accept something, as in “please go ahead.” It’s either used when offering an actual object, like a cookie, or when offering a gesture, like when allowing someone to pass through a door before you.

こちらへどうぞ (kochira e douzo)

This way, please.

おさけをどうぞ (osake wo douzo|お酒をどうぞ)

Here is your sake (and please enjoy) *this might be said after a waiter delivers your glass of sake

Also, どうぞ (douzo) is one of the few please phrases in Japanese that appears at the beginning of a sentence at times. It’s also paired with other please words, as it adds an emphatic quality to a suggestion or request whenever used

どうぞおはいりください (douzo ohairi kudasai|どうぞお入りください)

Please come in. *used when politely being prompted to enter a room

どうぞよろしくおねがいします(douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu|どうぞよろしくお願いします)

Nice to meet you. *one of the early important phases you learn as a Japanese student. It translates to something like “please take care.”

We’ve given this a spot in the formal list because that’s rightfully where it belongs, but this expression is also used in the same way between close acquaintances and relatives.

Yuki: これのんでいい？(kore nonde ii?|これ飲んでいい？)

Can I drink this?

Masako: うん、どうぞ (un, douzo)

Yeah, go ahead.

How to say “please” in Japanese informally

Of course, you wouldn’t, nor should you be, overly formal and respectful when speaking with friends and family in Japan. In fact, formalities only create separation and distance between people (especially in Japan), so being too formal with someone you’re supposed to be close with may actually be offensive!

That’s why it’s important to know how to communicate with your best folks just like everyone else does, with a bit of rudeness and a heaping of love.

We have an article on Japanese honorifics if you’d like to dig deeper into formalities. Going back, here are the informal ways to say “please” in Japanese.

ください (kudasai)

This is the informal equivalent of お願いします (onegaishimasu), and while it’s usually used in more formal situations, typically for set expressions, it is also used with close friends and family members. It’s more like a direct request to give or do something for you, which is why it can be rude when used improperly. Here are some example sentences.

ごちゅういください (gochuui kudasai|ご注意ください)

Please be careful.

もういちどください (mouichido kudasai|もう一度ください)

(Say it) One more time, please.

じぶんのごはんをもってきてください (jibun no gohan wo mottekite kudasai | 自分のご飯を持ってきてください)

Please bring your own lunch.

While it’s not the most polite way to make requests in Japanese, it’s fine to use this term with those who share the same or are at a lower status/rank/age as you do, or even when ordering something as a customer (which makes you important by default).

It’s definitely the most common way to say “please” in Japanese!

ちょうだい (choudai｜頂戴)

Here’s a super casual Japanese expression for “please.” It can be used by both genders but carries more of a feminine essence and is used more by women.

It’s something often heard by mothers requesting their children to do something.

みせてちょうだい (misete choudai|見せて頂戴)

It’s a popular way to ask a friend to try some of their food or drink.

ちょっとちょうだい (chotto choudai?|ちょっと頂戴？)

Can I try it?/Can I have a bit?

Lastly, couples use this word between themselves as a cute and short way to ask for something.

しょくパンちょうだい (shokupan choudai|食パン頂戴)

Please pass me the shokupan.

プリーズ (puriizu)

As you may have guessed, this is simply the Japanese rendition of the English word “please,” which makes it pretty easy to remember. It’s not very often said in Japan unless for play or when a Japanese native is trying to communicate with someone who cannot speak Japanese.

Rightfully, it’s more of a neutral expression as a foreign word, having yet to be distinguished on a larger contextual scale, but it can be considered casual nonetheless.

A final note on saying “please” in Japanese

The phrases for please covered in this article are universal, but by no means are they exclusive or most popular in all parts of Japan. Actually, Japanese culture can get pretty diverse depending on the region/province, so naturally, there would be a difference in communication norms and social expectations too.

Remember that as you immerse yourself in Japan’s culture (especially if you are in the actual country), stay open-minded and receptive to the vast pool of individuality you are likely to discover on your journey – especially concerning patterns of speaking. Never stop learning Japanese!

がんばってください (ganbatte kudasai)! ^^

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How To Say ‘Please’ In Japanese

Asking someone for a service or favour is never complete without saying ‘please’ and i n Japanese, ‘please’ is usually translated as either onegaishimasu or kudasai . But what’s the difference between these two words and are there more? 

Yes, there are many words for ‘please’ in Japanese and as always, context is king! Saying ‘please’ in Japanese can change depending on whether you’re asking for something from a friend, a child, a waitress or your boss. 

There are also some words for ‘please’ in Japanese with more of a feminine or masculine nuance.

Understanding which word is more appropriate is just as important as memorizing the word itself! Do you share a close relationship with the person? Is it a formal setting where you would like to highlight the position of the listener? Perhaps you want to humble yourself when making a request or maybe you want to indicate your authority! 

Whatever the scenario, here are the must-know phrases for how to say ‘please’ in Japanese! 

下さい / ください Please (give me something / do something)

Kudasai literally means ‘please give me’ and is used to make simple, neutral requests with either a verb or a noun, for example mite kudasai (look please) or kohi kudasai (coffee please). Though it’s not the most polite way of saying ‘please’ in Japanese, it’s fine to use kudasai when asking for something of somebody who is equal to or inferior to you in age / rank / status or when ordering something as a customer.  

At an izakaya (a Japanese pub) you could order drink by saying:

Nama wo futatsu kudasai!  生を二つください! なまをふたつください！ Two draft beers please! (Two beers on tap)

As you can see, you can specify ‘how much’ of something you’d like to request, by using the を particle followed by the counter, for example: mikan wo hitotsu kudasai (ミカンを一つください) ‘one orange please’.

Kudasai can sound quite direct compared to onegaishimasu (which we will go over next). You would never use kudasai to someone of superior rank within a workplace for example.

To make a simple request using kudasai , you can either say noun + kudasai  or you can use the – te form of a verb as follows: 

Suwatte kudasai .  座って ください 。 すわってください。 Please sit down.

Koko ni sainshite kudasai .  ここにサインして ください 。 Please sign here.

It would be rude if you removed kudasai from the above phrases and instead just say suwatte (sit) or koko ni sainshite (sign here) , unless you were speaking to a friend. 

In customer service settings, the verb matsu 待つ (to wait) is often used with kudasai but with it’s – masu form which is machimasu (待ちます). So instead of using the -te form and saying 待ってください its more polite to say お待ちください which is basically the difference between ‘wait please’ vs ‘just one moment please’. 

A receptionist at a hotel would never say matte kudasai (please wait) to a customer, instead they would say:

Shou shou o machi kudasai. 少々お待ちください。 しょうしょう おまちください。 Wait a moment, please. / Please wait a little. / Please hold for a moment (on the phone)

Or in some cases, chotto matte kudasai (ちょっと待ってください）can be used to soften the phrase. 

Kudasaimase is the polite, imperative form of kudasai used by staff in customer-service settings to make respectful requests to customers in a shop.

Kudasaimase is more commonly used by those identifying as females and is formed by adding – mase to the end of kudasai, allowing staff to gently command customers (who are considered above them) to do something:

Tsutsu ga naku o sugoshi kudasaimase. つつがなくお過ごしくださいませ 。 つつがなく おすごし くださいませ 。 Please take your time without any trouble. 

Kudasai sounds very formal when used with friends. A good alternative you can use in casual settings is choudai (ちょうだい) see below!

Onegaishimasu

お願いします　/　おねがいします Please (polite)

Onegashimasu is a very useful phrase for saying ‘please’ in Japanese because it’s universally polite so it can be used in almost any situation. It comes from the noun negau (願う) which means ‘hope’. 

Onegaishimasu focuses on politely requesting as opposed to asking someone to give something to you or do something for you like kudasai. 

The cool thing about onegaishimasu is that on it’s own, it is an honorific form of saying ‘please’ in Japanese but it can easily be made more polite or more casual to suit your needs. 

For example, you can just say onegai (お願い）to a friend if you want to request something from them like kohi onegai (コヒーお願い) to say ‘coffee please!’. 

On the other hand, when you want to elevate the position of the person you are speaking to, you change the ending to itashimasu as in onegai itashimasu !

Some say that onegaishimasu and kudasai are interchangeable, but onegaishimasu is actually far more appropriate in a professional setting. The fact that you can use onegaishimasu but not kudasai towards someone superior demonstrates this. 

You can still use onegaishimasu in the same way as kudasai when ordering something at a restaurant, so like our beer example above, you could say nama wo futatsu onegaishimasu (生を二つお願いします）。

If you’re about to pay for something and you are asked whether you’ll pay by card or cash, you can say ‘card please’ by saying kaado de onegaishimasu (カードでお願いします)。

Onegaishimasu is also used by itself in a few situations. You can use it to politely get the attention of an employee at a restaurant. If you see a waiter / waitress who seems to be free, you can just call out sumimasen, onegaishimasu ! (すみません、お願いします！) and they will respond ‘ haii!’ and quickly attend to you.

The other way to use onegaishimasu by itself is when responding to someone and in this case it has the same meaning as ‘yes please!’

For example, if you went to a store to try on a t-shirt and it was too small, the staff member might offer to get you a bigger size by saying o kyaku sama ni motto ookii no saizu motte kimasu ka? / お客様にもっと大きいのサイズ持ってきますか？(Should I get a larger size for you?) You can simply respond onegaishimasu! It would not work to say kudasai here. 

頂戴　/　ちょうだい Please (informal)

Choudai is a casual expression to say ‘please’ in Japanese and while it can be used by both men and women, it has a feminine nuance. The reason is because mothers use choudai when talking to children in an imperative way for example ‘please eat’ as in tabete choudai  (食べてちょうだい) or ‘ show me please’ as in misete choudai (見せてちょうだい).

If you wanted to have a piece of your friend’s food you could say chotto choudai (ちょっとちょうだい)  which means ‘Can I have a bit?’ or ‘Can I have a piece?’ 

Significant others can also use choudai when asking each other to do something, for example ‘get me a pen please’: pen choudai  (ペンちょうだい。) 

Like most words for ‘please’ in Japanese, you can modify the politeness by adding honorific stems to choudai.

Many supermarket cashiers, particularly female, will use choudai with the polite stem – itashimasu when telling you how much you need to pay. For example:

Sen ni hyaku en de choudai itashimasu.  1,200円で頂戴致します. 1,200えんでちょうだいいたします。 That will be 1,200 yen please. 

どうぞ Please (accept this) 

Douzo has two main uses: a way to offer something to someone in the same way we would say ‘Please help yourself’ ‘Please, have ~ / take ~ ’ in English or as a way to give permission as in ‘please, go ahead’. 

When employees speak to customers in Japan, they often use douzo to politely usher them into trying something or inviting them to take a look at something. 

A host may say to a guest, douzo wo agari kudasai (どうぞを上がりください）which is literally ‘please come up’ but means ‘please, come in’. 

While pouring you a glass of water and placing it on the table the waiter / waitress might say o mizu douzo (お水をどうぞ) which is like ‘Here’s some water’. 

It’s also common to use douzo as ‘Please, after you’ when giving permission to someone to do something. For example, when leaving a room with a group of people, the person holding the door might say douzo with an open hand gesture to tell you to go first or if you were at a shop looking for something and the staff member wanted you to follow them, they would say kochira e douzo (こちらへどうぞ) as in ‘this way please’. 

In formal speech, douzo is used to add extra politeness in combination with kudasai or onegaishimasu in some set phrases:  

Douzo o kake kudasai. どうぞおかけてください。 Please have a seat. 

Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.  どうぞよろしくお願いします。 どうぞよろしくおねがいします。 Pleased to meet you. / It’s a pleasure to meet you 

Douzo on it’s own is used when you want to politely offer something to someone, similar to how we say ‘here you go’ in English. Informally, people also say hai (はい) when they want to give you something, but douzo is much more polite and formal. 

Finally, douzo is used to give permission for example if someone says ‘May I take a photo?’ You can politely say ‘sure, go ahead’ by using douz o. 

プーリズ Please

Japanese versions of English words can be difficult to understand, so we needed to include puurizu as one of the ways to say ‘please’ in Japanese, just so you know what you’re hearing if you ever go to Japan!

Again, the use of katakana in this phrase clearly tells us it’s a foreign word, and indeed puurizu is just ‘please’ with Japanese-friendly pronunciation. 

It’s casual and is sometimes used in conjunction with douzo if a store employee is aware that you don’t speak Japanese. They may try to express their desire for you to help yourself or feel free to look around by saying puurizu! 

Set phrases which use kudasai or onegaishimasu

There are set phrases which only use either kudasai OR onegaishimasu such as ‘ganbatte kudasai’ which means ‘Do your best!’. You do not say ganbatte onegaishimasu . 

Similarly, you can say yoroshiku onegaishimasu when you meet someone for the first time, but you do not say yoroshiku kudasai – you will get some very strange looks!

A note on making polite requests in Japanese 

We often say the word ‘please’ in English when we want to make polite requests in formal situations starting with ‘Can’ ‘Could’ or ‘May’’ for example ‘Can I have your name please?’ or ‘Could you call me a taxi please?’ 

In Japanese there are set phrases to make polite requests such as these, instead of directly saying ‘please’:

(request)  +   shite mo ii desu ka? (〜してもいいですか？）casual

• kuremasen ka?　 （〜くれませんか？） formal / polite
• itadakemasen ka? (〜いただけませんか？)  very formal / polite

For example:

Kore wo kopii shite mo ii desu ka? これをコピーしてもいいですか？　 Can I copy this please?

Shio wo watashite kuremasen ka? 塩を渡してくれませんか？　 しおをわたしてくれませんか？ Could you pass me the salt please?

The word ‘please’ is inclusive in the question when you phrase it this way. You don’t need to say kudasai or onegaishimasu.  

Depending on how polite you would like to make the phrase, you can choose itadakemasen ka? to be very polite. 

For example, even though you could say: 

Mou ichido itte kudasai. もう一致度言ってください もういっちどいってください Please repeat that one more time.

It would be more polite to say: 

Mou ichido itte itadakemasen ka? もう一致度言っていただけませんか もういっちどいっていただけませんか Could you please repeat that one more time?

More essential Japanese phrases:

• How to Say ‘Thank You’ in Japanese
• How to Say Sorry in Japanese: Apologize Like You Mean it
• How to Say Hello in Japanese: 19 Different Ways 
• How to Say Goodbye in Japanese: 16 Useful Ways
• How to Say Yes in Japanese: ‘Hai’ and Beyond!
• How to Say No in Japanese: 11 Ways

JapanesePod101 offers a complete system for learning Japanese at any level, from total beginners to advanced. The self-paced courses include audio lessons, printable worksheets, learning tools (such as quizzes and flashcards), and lots more.

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Francesca Rex-Horoi

Francesca is a freelance copywriter and teacher, who moved to Tokyo from New Zealand at age 24. A linguistics and ESL major, she spent 3 years teaching at an all-boys high school. Now based in France, she remains a self-confessed Japanophile who loves kanji, cooking, cats and the outdoors.

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Essential Japanese email phrases and what they really mean

Japanese business culture: common and useful email phrases.

If you are working in Japan, you know how important business etiquette is. Even if you work for an international company, chances are high that at some point or another, you will have to write or read an email in Japanese. There are certain essential Japanese business phrases that come up again and again, and others that are useful to know to sound more professional. Below is our list of the essential Japanese words and phrases for emails, as well as their nuances. We’ve also included a sample email exchange at the end so you can see how they are used in real-life situations. 

Japanese phrases to greet and sign off emails

1. いつもお世話になっております (itsumo osewa ni natte orimasu).

English: Thank you for your support.

This is the quintessential opening phrase of any Japanese email, and one that you will see over and over again. There is no true equivalent in English, however it is similar to ‘Thank you for your continued support’ or ‘Thank you for always taking care of me.’ You can also omit the いつも (itsumo) and just say お世話になっております (osewa ni natte orimasu). In English, ‘I hope you are well’ is used in a similar way. 

Nuance tip: This phrase should be used with external partners such as clients. 

2. よろしくお願いします / いたします / 申し上げます (Yoroshiku onegai shimasu / itashimasu / moushiagemasu)

English: Thank you or best regards. 

This phrase is commonly used to thank the person at the end of an email, just before the sender’s name. There are several ways to use this phrase, each with their own nuance. The most informal way is よろしくお願い します (yoroshiku onegai shimasu ), the next most formal is よろしくお願い いたします (yoroshiku onegai itashimasu ), and the most formal is よろしくお願い 申し上げます (yoroshiku onegai moushiagemasu ). In English, you could compare this to ‘thank you’ (least formal), ‘best’ (a bit more formal), and ‘best regards’ (most formal). 

Nuance tip: Use よろしくお願い します (yoroshiku onegai shimasu ) with colleagues, and use よろしくお願い いたします (yoroshiku onegai itashimasu ) or よろしくお願い 申し上げます (yoroshiku onegai moushiagemasu ) with external partners. 

3. 先ほどはありがとうございました (Sakihodo ha arigatou gozaimashita)

English: Thank you for your time just now. 

This is a very useful phrase when emailing someone right after a call or meeting. It is usually included at the beginning of an email, just as you would in English.  

Nuance tip: This phrase should be used with external partners or superiors. 

4. お気軽にご連絡ください (Okigaru ni gorenraku kudasai)

English: Feel free to contact me.

This is often included at the end of emails. It is a friendly way to let the other person know that they can reach out if they have any questions or concerns. 

Nuance tip: This phrase should be used with external partners. If using with colleagues, drop the ご (go) in ご連絡 (gorenraku). This makes it more casual. 

Email phrases to apologize in Japanese

5. 突然のご連絡、失礼いたします (Totsuzen no gorenraku, shitsurei itashimasu)

English: Sorry for the sudden email.

You will see this at the beginning of an email, perhaps if you haven’t emailed that person in a while or if you have never worked with that person before. 

Nuance tip: This phrase should be used with external partners or superiors.

6. 度々申し訳ございません (Tabi tabi moushiwake gozaimasen)

English: Sorry for the many emails.

This is also typically used at the beginning of an email. ‘Tabitabi’ means again and again, and so it is used to apologize for sending many emails. Usually, it is used if you send an email to someone before they have replied back to you. 

7. 五月雨式に申し訳ございません (Samidareshiki ni moushiwake gozaimasen)

English: Sorry for the downpour of messages. 

‘五月雨’ (samidare) literally means ‘rain in May’ and refers to the heavy rain that falls in early summer in Japan. In this context, however, it is used to convey the ‘downpour’ of emails.  This is used very similarly to the above phrase, 度々申し訳ございません (tabitabi moushiwake gozaimasen). However, this phrase is slightly more formal.

Nuance tip: This phrase should be used with external partners. 

8. 恐縮です (Kyoushuku desu)

English: I am deeply sorry. 

This is quite a formal phrase and is used to apologize for something. It can also be used at the end of an email. For example, you might say 大変恐縮ですが、よろしくお願い致します。(Taihen kyoushuku desuga, yoroshiku onegaiitashimasu) This can be translated to, ‘I know I am asking a lot and it is a hassle, but thank you for your help.’ Thus, it can be used in a variety of contexts– it can simply mean ‘sorry,’ but it can also mean that you are very grateful for something. 

Nuance tip: This phrase is mostly used with external partners such as clients. 

Email phrases to request things in Japanese

9. いただけますと幸いです・助かります / いただければと思います (Itadakermasuto saiwaidesu / tasukarimasu; itadakereba to omoimasu)

English: ‘I would be happy if…’ or ‘It would be helpful if…” or “It would be great if…” 

いただけますと (itadakemasuto) is the keigo way of saying ‘if I could please get.’ The formula itadakemasuto + adjective is very useful. Some common adjectives include 幸い (saiwai; happy) or 助かります (tasukarimasu; helpful). The third one, ‘いただければと思います’ (itadakereba to omoimasu), is a softer way of saying ‘It would be great if I could get xxx.’  

For example, you could say お時間いただけますと幸いです。(Ojikan itadakemasuto saiwaidesu) This means, ‘It would be great if I could please have some of your time.’

In some contexts, 幸い (saiwai) can be seen as too casual. So, when possible, 幸いです should be reserved for those that you know well and have a closer relationship with. 

Nuance tip: These phrases are mostly used with external partners or superiors. 

10. ご教示ください / お知らせください (Gokyouji kudasai / Oshirase kudasai)

English: Please let me know. Please advise.

These two phrases, gokyouji kudasai and oshirase kudasai, essentially have the same meaning. They are used when you need to know something from a client or partner. For example, they can be used if you are waiting for a submission and want to know when you can expect it. 

E.g. 納期の目安をご教示ください／お知らせください。(Nouki no meyasu wo gokyouji kudasai/oshirasekudsai) This means, “Please let me know the estimated delivery date.” 

Nuance tip: This phrase should be used with external partners.

11. ご教授ください (Gokyouju kudasai)

English: Please teach (enlighten) me. 

This is very similar to phrase #10, with a slightly different nuance. This is used for when you want to ask a technical question or inquire about something from a superior in a respectful way.

For example, you’d like to ask a professor to teach you about something or ask a superior to provide technical guidance. In Japanese, you’d say 本日の講演の内容をご教授ください。 (Honjitsuno kouen no naiyou wo gokyouju kudasai.) This means, ‘Please teach me about today’s lecture.’’

12. …を頂戴できますでしょうか (Wo choudai dekimasu deshouka)

English: Can I request xxx please? 

‘Choudai’ means ‘to receive’ or ‘please give it to me,’ so this is usually used to ask the counterpart for their time, contact information, materials, or anything else. 

E.g. お時間を頂戴できますでしょうか。(Ojikan wo choudai dekimasu deshouka) This means, ‘May I please have a moment of your time?’

Nuance tip: This phrase can be used with an external partner or superiors. 

13. …は可能でしょうか (... ha kanoudeshouka)

English: Would it be possible to…

This is a common way to politely ask for something, for example if you want to schedule a meeting for a specific time, to extend a deadline, or to request a change. 

E.g. 会議の時間を調整することは可能でしょうか。(Kaigi no jikan wo chousei suru koto ha kanou deshouka) This means, ‘Would it be possible to adjust the meeting time?’ 

Nuance tip: This phrase can be used widely, with colleagues, superiors, or external partners. 

Other useful Japanese email phrases

14. 取り急ぎご連絡まで (toriisogi gorenrakumade).

English: Just sending you a quick note.

This is used to send a quick email to let the other person know that it is not a formal email, just a simple note. This should also be used with caution, as it can be seen as too casual in some instances.

Nuance tip: This phrase is mostly used with colleagues or external partners that you are familiar with.  

15. …の件について (… no ken nitsuite)

English: Regarding…

件 (ken) means matter, subject, or topic. So, if someone has asked you a question about your schedule for a future meeting, instead of writing the entire question out, you can just say ‘会議の件について…’ (kaigi no ken ni tsuite), which means ‘Regarding the meeting…’ 

E.g. 会議の件について、電話でお話できればと思います。(Kaigi no ken ni tsuite, denwa de ohanashi dekireba to omoimasu) This means, ‘Regarding the meeting, it would be great if we could chat on the phone about it.’ 

Nuance tip: This can be used widely, with colleagues, superiors, or external partners. 

16. 添付資料をご確認ください・ご参照ください (Tenpu shiryou wo gokakunin kudasai / gosanshou kudasai)

English: Please see the attachment / Please refer to the attachment.  

添付 (tenpu) means attachment, while 確認 (kakunin) means to confirm, and 参照 (sanshou) means to refer. So, whenever you want someone to check the attachment, you can use either phrase. 参照 (sanshou) tends to be slightly more formal, so it is a good phrase to use with clients or those you are less familiar with. 

17. 承知いたしました (Shouchi itashimashita)

English: I understand / Understood. 

There are many ways to say ‘I understand’ in Japanese, and this is one of the most common. Others  include 了解です (ryoukai desu) or かしこまりました (kashikomari mashita). However, each has subtle differences. 

For example, 了解です(ryoukaidesu) can be used with colleagues, while 了解いたしました (ryoukai itashimashita) should be used with people more senior. かしこまりました (kashikomari mashita) is often used when talking to a manager. 承知いたしました (shouchi itashimashita) is more formal and often used with someone more senior, a client, or someone you are not familiar with. 

18. 問題ございません (Mondai gozaimasen)

English: That’s no problem. 

This phrase has essentially the same meaning as 大丈夫 (daijoubu), but is a little bit more formal. Therefore, it is more appropriate to use in business emails. For example, if someone asks if you could please move the meeting from 14:00 to 15:00, you could say 問題ございません (mondai gozaimasen).

Nuance tip: This phrase can be used with superiors or external partners. 

19. 早速のご返信・ご対応ありがとうございます (Sassoku no gohenshin / gotaiou arigatou gozaimasu)

English: Thank you for your fast reply/response.

The word 早速 (immediate) is used quite often in Japanese emails. When you ask someone to do something and they immediately reply and/or execute on it, you can thank them by including this phrase in your email.

Nuance tip: This phrase can be used with superiors or external partners. If using with colleagues, drop the ご (go) in ご返信 (gohenshin) and ご対応 (gotaiou). 

Example business email scenario in Japanese

Below is an example of how these business email phrases can be used in a real-life situation between two people. 

Scenario: Sasaki-san from company ABC is creating a proposal for a client, Tanaka-san from company DEF.  Sasaki-san just had a call with Tanaka-san to clarify a few things and is now ready to send him the updated proposal. Below is his email to the client. 

1. Email to Tanaka-san (the client):

DEF株式会社 人事部部長 田中太郎様 (Tanaka-san,)

いつもお世話になっております。(Thank you for your support.)

ABCの佐々木です。(This is Sasaki from ABC.)

先ほどはありがとうございました。企画書を修正いたしましたので、添付資料をご確認ください。こちら、ご不明な点があればお知らせください。(Thank you for your time just now. I have updated the proposal, please check the attached document. Please let me know if you have any questions.)

大変恐縮ですが、週明けまでにフィードバックをいただけますと幸いです。(I am really sorry for the trouble, but it would be great if you could please give me your feedback this week.)

また、御社の資料もあわせて今週中にいただくことは可能でしょうか。(Also, would it be possible to get the company materials this week as well?)

質問などありましたらお気軽にご連絡下さい。(Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions etc.)

よろしくお願い申し上げます。(Best regards,)

佐々木 (Sasaki)

2. Reply to Sasaki-san:

ABC株式会社 営業部部長 佐々木二郎様 (Sasaki-san,)

DEFの田中です。(This is Tanaka from DEF.)

企画書をお送りいただき、ありがとうございます。(Thank you for sending over the proposal.)

内容を拝見いたしました。度々申し訳ありませんが、いくつかお電話で質問をさせていただければと思います。今週どこかでお時間を頂戴できますでしょうか。当方は、平日の午後の時間帯でしたら問題ございません。(I have taken a look. Sorry to bother you again but I have a few questions, so could I please have some of your time sometime this week to talk about it? We are free anytime in the afternoon on weekdays.)

以上、ご教示ください。取り急ぎご連絡まで。(Please let me know. Just wanted to send you a quick note.)

よろしくお願いいたします。(Regards,)

田中 (Tanaka)

Reply back to Tanaka-san (the client):

DEF株式会社 人事部部長 田中様 (Tanaka-san,)

早速のご返信、ありがとうございます。(Thanks for your quick reply.)

打ち合わせの件について、承知いたしました。(Understood about the meeting.)

Zoomの招待をお送りさせていただきます。(I will send you a Zoom invite.)

引き続き、よろしくお願いいたします。(Thank you for your continued support.)

*Note: In Japan, the most formal way to address a letter or email is to write the company name followed by department name, surname, first name + ‘sama’, as in the example above. However, in many cases, simply writing the last name + sama is enough. You can choose which is best depending on the situation.

Learn more about Japanese business etiquette

It goes without saying that the phrases covered in this article are just the tip of the iceberg. Mastering business Japanese requires a deep understanding of grammar, knowledge of sufficient vocabulary, and a solid grasp of the context.

At TCJ, we offer business classes that specifically focus on phrases and grammar frequently used in business, as well as email and document writing, business etiquette, job hunting tips and more. To find out about our business course and others, please refer to our website . 

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また日本に来てねって英語でなんて言うの？

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またきてね。 - casual また、おこしください。 - polite

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Translation of “again” in Japanese

Word of the day: scale · 目盛り

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How to Say “Again and Again” in Japanese: Guide with Examples

Whether you are learning Japanese for travel, work, or simply for the joy of mastering a new language, it is essential to understand how to express the concept of “again and again.” Knowing how to convey this idea properly will enable you to communicate your thoughts and intentions effectively. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways of expressing “again and again” in Japanese, providing you with various examples and useful tips along the way.

Formal Ways to Say “Again and Again” in Japanese

When speaking in formal situations, such as in business or official settings, you should use the following phrases to express the notion of “again and again”:

1. 再三再四 (saisan saishi)

This phrase literally translates to “repeatedly” or “over and over again” in English. It is commonly used in formal contexts and implies a frequent repetition of an action or event. Here is an example sentence:

彼は再三再四、申し訳なさそうに謝罪した。(Kare wa saisansai shi, moushiwake nasasou ni shazai shita.) (He repeatedly apologized, seeming genuinely sorry.)

2. 何度も (nandomo)

This phrase can be translated as “many times” or “again and again” and is suitable for formal situations. It indicates the repetition of an action or event without specifying the exact number of times. Here’s an example:

彼女は何度も試験に合格した。(Kanojo wa nandomo shiken ni goukaku shita.) (She passed the exam many times.)

Informal Ways to Say “Again and Again” in Japanese

In informal conversations, with friends or family, you can use the following expressions to convey the idea of “again and again”:

1. 何回も (nan-kai mo)

This phrase means “many times” or “over and over” and can be used in casual settings. It implies a repetitive action or event. Here is an example:

友達と何回も遊んだ。(Tomodachi to nan-kai mo asonda.) (I played with my friend many times.)

2. くり返し (kurikaeshi)

Used in informal conversations, “くり返し” means “repeatedly” or “again and again.” It emphasizes the repetitive nature of an action or event. Check out this example:

犬がくり返し吠えた。(Inu ga kurikaeshi hoeta.) (The dog barked repeatedly.)

Regional Variations

While Japanese is primarily a uniform language throughout the country, slight regional variations may exist. In Okinawa, for instance, you may come across the expression “何度も何度も” (nan-do mo nan-do mo). This phrase has the same meaning as “何度も” (nandomo), but the repetition of “何度も” adds emphasis. Here’s an example:

何度も何度もお礼を言われた。(Nan-do mo nan-do moorei wo iwareta.) (I was thanked again and again.)

Tips for Using “Again and Again” in Japanese

When incorporating the phrases discussed above into your Japanese conversations, keep the following tips in mind:

• Use the formal phrases when speaking in professional or official situations.
• For informal conversations, the casual expressions are more suitable.
• Pay attention to context and adjust your choice of phrase accordingly.
• While these phrases convey the idea of “again and again,” they do not indicate a specific number of repetitions.

In Conclusion

Understanding how to express “again and again” in Japanese is crucial for effective communication. By mastering the formal phrases like “再三再四” (saisan saishi) and “何度も” (nandomo), as well as the informal phrases like “何回も” (nan-kai mo) and “くり返し” (kurikaeshi), you will be able to convey your message accurately in various situations. Remember to consider the context and formality level when choosing the appropriate phrase. Happy learning, and practice using these expressions frequently to enhance your fluency in Japanese!

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Learning a new language can be an exciting and challenging journey. If you're interested in picking up Japanese and want to ask someone to teach you, you'll need to know how to express yourself in Japanese. In this guide, we'll explore different ways to ask "Can you teach me Japanese?" in both formal and informal contexts. We'll provide you with various tips and examples along the way to help you on your language learning quest.

Japanese Translation: How to Say "Chat" in Japanese

Learning how to say "chat" in Japanese is useful whether you're planning a trip to Japan or simply interested in expanding your language skills. In this guide, we will cover both the formal and informal ways to express this concept. Additionally, we will provide tips, examples, and insights into regional variations where necessary. Let's dive in!

How to Say "Do You Speak Japanese?" in Japanese - Formal and Informal Ways

Learning how to communicate in different languages can help foster connections and create meaningful experiences. In this guide, we will explore various ways to ask "Do you speak Japanese?" in the Japanese language. We will cover both formal and informal ways to address this question, providing you with tips, examples, and even some regional variations. Let's dive in!

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How to Say ‘Please Wait’ and Use Polite Phrases in Japanese

Politeness is a fundamental aspect of Japanese communication. Learning how to say “Please wait” and using polite phrases in Japanese not only helps you convey your message but also shows respect for the cultural norms of politeness and etiquette. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to say “Please wait” in Japanese and provide some essential polite phrases for effective communication.

Saying “Please Wait” in Japanese:

To say “Please wait” in Japanese in a polite manner, you can use the phrase “お待ちください” (Omachikudasai) . This phrase combines the honorific prefix “お” (o) with “待ち” (machi), which means “wait,” and the polite imperative form “ください” (kudasai), which is used to make a request. Here’s how to use it:

• お待ちください。 (Omachikudasai)
• This phrase means “Please wait” in a polite and respectful way.

Using “お待ちください” allows you to convey your request for someone to wait while maintaining politeness.

Polite Phrases in Japanese:

Here are some other essential polite phrases in Japanese that can enhance your communication:

• “ありがとうございます” (Arigatou gozaimasu) – This phrase means “Thank you” in a polite manner. Use it to express gratitude.
• “お疲れ様でした” (Otsukaresama deshita) – This phrase is often used to thank someone for their hard work or effort. It’s a polite way to show appreciation.
• “失礼いたします” (Shitsurei itashimasu) – This phrase is used when leaving a room or excusing oneself politely. It’s a way of saying, “Excuse me” or “I apologize for my rudeness.”
• “お願いいたします” (Onegaishimasu) – This phrase can be used in various contexts, such as making a request or asking for a favor politely.
• “申し訳ございません” (Moushiwake gozaimasen) – Use this phrase to apologize formally. It’s a way to express deep regret for a mistake or inconvenience caused.

Cultural Significance of Politeness in Japan:

Understanding the cultural context of politeness in Japan is essential:

• Hierarchy and Respect: Japanese society places a strong emphasis on hierarchy and respecting authority figures and elders. Politeness is a way to show respect.
• Group Harmony: Maintaining harmony within a group is highly valued. Politeness helps avoid conflict and fosters a sense of unity.
• Non-Verbal Cues: Politeness extends beyond words to include non-verbal cues, such as bowing and body language. These gestures are essential for polite interactions.

Conclusion:

Learning how to say “Please wait” and using polite phrases in Japanese not only enhances your language skills but also demonstrates respect for Japanese cultural norms. Politeness is a fundamental aspect of Japanese communication and plays a crucial role in building positive relationships and effective interactions.

So, the next time you need to ask someone to wait or wish to express politeness in various situations, remember these phrases. By doing so, you’ll not only convey your message effectively but also show appreciation for the rich cultural tapestry that shapes Japanese etiquette and politeness.

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What's expected at Japanese PM Kishida's US visit? A major upgrade in defense ties

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is making an official visit to the United States this week

TOKYO -- Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is making an official visit to the United States this week. He will hold a summit with President Joe Biden that's meant to achieve a major upgrading of their defense alliance.

He will also join a first-ever summit of the U.S., Japan ese and Philippine leaders in Washington to showcase their cooperation in the face of an increasingly assertive China .

The Associated Press explains the significance of Kishida’s visit and the two summits.

The biggest event during the weeklong trip is his summit with Biden on Wednesday. Kishida hopes to further strengthen the alliance as China's influence grows in the Indo-Pacific.

Kishida is also reaching out to the American public to showcase Japan’s contribution to the U.S. economy and ensure stable relations regardless of who wins the U.S. presidential election later this year.

Kishida, who has pushed sweeping changes fortifying Japan’s defense capabilities since taking office in 2021, will emphasize that Japan and the U.S. are now global partners working to maintain a rules-based international order, and that Japan is willing to take on a greater international role in security, economy and space to help Washington.

Expanding arms equipment and technology cooperation between the two countries and other like-minded partners is also highly important, Kishida on Friday told selected media, including AP.

Kishida, stung by a corruption scandal, needs a successful U.S. visit to shore up low support ratings at home.

As a state guest, Kishida will be welcomed in a White House arrival ceremony on the South Lawn, a formal state dinner and other official events. He is the fifth state guest of Biden, who has also hosted leaders of India, Australia , South Korea and France, underscoring America’s focus on Indo-Pacific security partnerships.

Kishida is the first Japanese leader to make a state visit since Shinzo Abe in 2015. Abe made a major revision to the interpretation of Japan’s pacifist Constitution, allowing its self-defense-only principle to also cover its ally, the United States.

Defense tops the agenda because of growing worries about threats from China, North Korea and Russia. Chinese coast guard ships regularly approach disputed Japanese-controlled East China Sea islands near Taiwan. Beijing says Taiwan is part of its territory and will be brought under control by force if necessary.

There are also worries about North Korean nuclear and missile threats and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Kishida has warned that the war in Europe could lead to conflict in East Asia, suggesting that a lax attitude to Russia emboldens China.

“While we maintain the Japan-U.S. alliance as a cornerstone, we believe it is important to cooperate with like-minded countries, including the Philippines,” Kishida said.

Biden and Kishida are expected to agree on a plan to modernize their military command structures so they can better operate together. America stations 50,000 troops in Japan. The Japanese Self Defense Force is preparing to restructure so it has a unified command for ground, air and naval forces by March 2025.

Also expected are new initiatives for defense industry cooperation, including co-production of weapons, possibly a new missile, and the repair and maintenance of American warships and other equipment in Japan to help U.S. operations in the western Pacific.

Japan’s possible participation in a U.S.-U.K.-Australia security partnership to develop and share advanced military capabilities, including artificial intelligence , electronic warfare and hypersonics, may also come up.

Kishida and Biden are also expected to confirm Japan’s participation in NASA’s Artemis moon program and its contribution of a moon rover developed by Toyota Motor Corp. and the inclusion of a Japanese astronaut. The rover, which comes at a roughly $2 billion cost, is the most expensive contribution to the mission by a non-U.S. partner to date, a U.S. official said.

Since adopting a more expansive national security strategy in 2022, Kishida’s government has taken bold steps to accelerate Japan’s military buildup. He hopes to show Tokyo is capable of elevating its security cooperation with the U.S. Kishida has pledged to double defense spending and boost deterrence against China, which Japan considers a top security threat.

Japan, working to acquire what it calls a “counterstrike” capability, has purchased 400 U.S. Tomahawk long-range cruise missiles. After prohibiting almost all weapons transfers, it has relaxed export guidelines twice in recent months, allowing the sale of lethal weapons to countries from which they were licensed and the overseas sales of a fighter jet it’s co-developing with the U.K. and Italy. The changes have allowed Japan to ship Japanese-made PAC-3 missiles to the U.S. to help replace those contributed by Washington to Ukraine.

The first-ever trilateral summit between Biden, Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. comes as the Philippines faces escalating maritime tension with China over their contested South China Sea claims.

Biden wants to show that the three maritime democracies are unified as they face aggressive Chinese action against the Philippine coast guard and its supply vessels off the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, according to a senior Biden administration official.

Japan has sold coastal radars to the Philippines and is now negotiating a defense agreement that would allow their troops to visit each other’s turf for joint military exercises.

The trilateral comes eight months after Biden hosted a meeting with leaders from Japan and South Korea at Camp David.

“Cooperation among our three countries are extremely important in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and in defending a free and open international order based on the rules of law,” Kishida said Monday before leaving for Washington.

Kishida also wants to highlight Japan’s economic contributions in the U.S. There is growing uncertainty in Tokyo about U.S. elections, reflected by questions about what happens if former President Donald Trump wins, though experts say there is a bipartisan consensus on a stronger U.S.-Japan alliance.

Kishida will meet with business leaders and visit Toyota’s electric vehicle battery factory under construction for a planned launch in 2025, and Honda’s business jet subsidiary in North Carolina. He will also meet students at North Carolina State University on Friday.

In his congressional speech on Thursday, Kishida said he plans to convey “what Japan and the United States want to hand down to future generations and what we need to do for them.”

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Kishida arrives in US for 1st state visit by Japan PM in 9 years

April 9, 2024 (Mainichi Japan)

WASHINGTON (Kyodo) -- Prime Minister Fumio Kishida arrived in the United States on Monday for the first state visit by a Japanese leader in nine years, underscoring the increasing importance of the alliance between the two countries.

Kishida is scheduled to hold a summit with U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday in Washington and will address a joint session of the Congress the following day, according to Japanese government officials.

Kishida, who is slated to return to Tokyo on Sunday, is expected to reaffirm with Biden the significance of Japan-U.S. cooperation in various areas ranging from security and state-of-the-art technologies to the strengthening of supply chains, the officials said.

"I would like to confirm that Japan and the United States have built a more solid relationship, and it will be an important opportunity to convey this message to the world," Kishida told reporters before departing Tokyo.

Kishida has said that his state visit to the United States will help bolster the bilateral alliance, and he is to become Japan's first prime minister to deliver a speech at the U.S. Congress since Shinzo Abe, who did so in April 2015.

Addresses given by foreign dignitaries to joint sessions of the U.S. Congress have taken place on special occasions. During Barack Obama's presidency, Abe, who was gunned down in July 2022, became the first Japanese premier to make such a speech.

Abe said in his address that he would stick to statements made by his predecessors in expressing "deep remorse" over Japan's wartime behavior, admitting that the nation's actions "brought suffering to the peoples" of other Asian countries before and during World War II.

The theme of Kishida's speech on Thursday is likely to be "future-oriented," and it is believed that he will stress how the partnership between Japan and the United States is crucial in maintaining a free and open international order, one of the officials said.

As Kishida represents a constituency in Hiroshima, a city that was devastated by a U.S. atomic bomb in August 1945, there is a focus on whether he will touch on his vision of a world without nuclear weapons when he appears in the legislature.

In 2015, Abe and Obama agreed to boost the Japan-U.S. alliance to promote peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and tackle security challenges. Shortly after, the two nations updated their defense cooperation guidelines for the first time in 18 years.

Kishida and Biden will also pledge to reinforce defense relations in East Asia amid China's growing military assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region, the government officials said.

On Thursday, Kishida and Biden are set to hold an unprecedented trilateral summit involving Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in response to the increasingly unstable security environment in Asia, the officials added.

During his trip to the United States, Kishida is planning to visit North Carolina, with Toyota Motor Corp., Japan's biggest automaker by volume, constructing a new battery plant in the southeastern state to beef up its electric vehicle line.

Kishida is eager to showcase Toyota's contribution to job creation and investment in the United States due to the possibility Donald Trump, who in the past has criticized his country's trade deficit with Japan, may be re-elected as president in November.

When a Japanese prime minister makes an official trip to the United States, it is customary to visit other cities outside the capital. Abe visited Boston, San Francisco and Los Angeles in 2015. In 2006, then Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi visited Memphis.

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Biden, Japan PM boost defense ties with eye on China

U S President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida unveiled their countries' biggest ever upgrade in defense ties Wednesday during a White House state visit focused on countering a resurgent China.

Biden rolled out the red carpet for Kishida with a lavish dinner, plus music by US singer Paul Simon, as he underscored Japan's importance as a key ally against Beijing in the Asia-Pacific region. 

The two leaders even agreed that a Japanese astronaut will be the first non-American to walk on the Moon, as they sought to take the alliance to new heights.

"This is the most significant upgrade in our alliance since it was first established," Biden, 81, told a press conference with Kishida in the White House Rose Garden.

The two leaders unveiled plans to restructure the US military command in Japan, the biggest such change since the 1960s. The move is aimed at making US and Japanese forces more nimble in the event of threats, such as a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

The United States, Japan and Australia would also launch a joint air defense network, while Britain would take part in military exercises with Washington and Tokyo.

US officials said the broader boost in ties was also aimed at reassuring allies of long-term support even if Donald Trump beats Biden in November's US presidential election.

- 'Purely defensive' -

The moves come amid tensions about Beijing's claims over both Taiwan and huge swathes of the South China Sea, despite efforts by Washington to reduce the risk of conflict.

Biden insisted that the military upgrade in China's backyard was purely defensive and "not aimed at any one nation or a threat to the region."

Kishida meanwhile called during the press conference for "peace and stability" across the Taiwan Straits.

"Unilateral attempts to change status quo by force or coercion is absolutely unacceptable, wherever it may be," the Japanese premier said.

Biden has made no bones about his desire to create alliances across the region to counter China.

On Thursday, he will host the first trilateral summit between Japan, the Philippines and the United States, aiming to deepen their alliances.

The pomp-filled state visit for Kishida was however also meant to underscore the broader cultural and economic relations between two allied nations who were at war 80 years ago. 

Biden announced that a Japanese person will be the first non-American to walk on the Moon, flying on a US mission due to take place in a few years' time.

The leaders also announced deals for technology, including artificial intelligence and the economy.

- 'Flourishing' -

The rest of Wednesday will be dedicated to extravagant hosting of 66-year-old Kishida and his wife Yuko.

Guests at the White House state dinner include actor Robert DeNiro, Amazon boss Jeff Bezos and former president Bill Clinton and ex-secretary of state Hillary Clinton, the White House said.

Sitting at tables decorated by fans and cherry blossom branches, guests will tuck into house-cured salmon, dry-aged rib eye with wasabi sauce, and salted caramel pistachio cake with cherry ice cream.

After dinner, "Bridge Over Troubled Water" star Simon will perform a selection of songs. 

First Lady Jill Biden said during a preview of the dinner that it would celebrate the "flourishing" US-Japan friendship. 

"Our nations are partners in a world where we choose creation over destruction, peace over bloodshed, and democracy over autocracy," she said.

Kishida is the first Japanese leader to get a US state visit since Shinzo Abe in 2015, and only the fifth world leader to receive one since Biden took office in 2021.

Four of those have been Asian leaders, reflecting Biden's strategic priorities even as he wrestles with wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

Staunchly pacifist for decades, Japan has in recent years made "some of the most significant, momentous changes" since World War II, US ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel said ahead of the visit.

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A deadly storm is bringing extreme rainfall and dangerous tornadoes to the South, with the severe weather stretching from Texas to Louisiana to Mississippi to Alabama to Florida.

One death was reported in Scott County, Mississippi, according to Mississippi Emergency Management officials.

At least one person in Mississippi was injured and at least 72 homes across the state have been damaged, officials said.

Three tornadoes have been confirmed so far: two in Louisiana and one in Texas.

One of the confirmed tornadoes ripped through Slidell, Louisiana, about 30 miles outside of New Orleans, damaging buildings and downing power lines as rain pounded the town.

More than 50 people have been rescued so far in Slidell, and some were taken to hospitals for their injuries, none believed to be life-threatening, according to local police. Many of the injuries came at a heavily damaged apartment complex that had the second floor roof ripped off.

A tornado watch remains in effect through Wednesday evening along coastal Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and near Panama City, Florida.

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• Stand Up for Free Enterprise

Great Expectations Ahead of Japan’s State Visit

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's forthcoming state visit promises to be consequential. Here is what the U.S. Chamber is hoping to see come of it.

Charles Freeman Senior Vice President for Asia, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

April 04, 2024

President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida meet at the White House on April 10, marking the first state visit by a Japanese leader to the United States since 2015. Their agenda is full, covering a gamut of security and economic issues. The two leaders will aim to modernize alliance arrangements to boost deterrence amid an increasingly tense security situation in Northeast Asia.

The two leaders will also likely discuss measures to mitigate global trade distortions arising from Chinese industrial overcapacity. In addition, the arrival in Washington of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. of the Philippines on April 11 for trilateral meetings marks an important turn of events, demonstrating the value of integrating regional partners into bilateral alliance discussions. This follows President Biden’s successful trilateral Camp David summit last July with his Japanese and Korean counterparts. 

Why It Matters 

Cementing the progress made at Camp David and under other bilateral agreements will be top of mind for the two leaders, especially given the uncertainties introduced by the U.S. presidential elections this October. President Biden will seek to prove that he can translate progress in the United States’ international relationships into tangible benefits for the American electorate, with a special focus on his key policy issues like climate and restoring America’s manufacturing base for the American working and middle classes. 

For Prime Minister Kishida, this state visit is an opportunity to leverage his diplomatic skills to reignite public and political confidence in his leadership. Mr. Kishida faces an election by September 2024 that will determine whether he can maintain his standing as President of the Liberal Democratic Party, a key party position seen as a prerequisite to the premiership.

Confidence in his administration has dwindled due to a series of mishaps and scandals, so the pressure is on to prove that he can bring home a big win for Japan. Getting a commitment to upgrade the U.S. Forces Japan to an operational command would be one such victory.  

What We Hope to See 

Foreign direct investment in the United States is a major driver of our economic growth, and Japanese firms are among the leaders of the pack in creating high-quality jobs across America. We hope that Prime Minister Kishida will use the state visit to reiterate the positive impacts of Japanese investment in the United States.  

In that regard, President Biden’s stated opposition to Nippon Steel’s bid to acquire U.S. Steel was an unfortunate note to sound prior to Kishida’s visit. The Japanese leader will no doubt press Biden to reverse this position, not without justification. On top of agreeing to honor all existing labor contracts, Nippon Steel has also committed to revitalizing U.S. Steel through new investments in U.S.-based R&D and production operations. It is a classic potential win-win for American national interest. Attempts to politicize this lifeline deal to save U.S. Steel are both inappropriate and counterproductive. 

The Biden Administration’s decision to pause liquefied natural gas (LNG) export permit approvals has had an equally damaging impact to U.S.-Japan relations. Japan relies on U.S. gas to guarantee its energy security while maintaining its embargo on Russian energy. LNG remains a critical tool in the transition to our lower carbon future, and the administration’s decision was a confounding move. The U.S.-Japan Business Council and Japan-U.S. Business Council sent a joint letter to Prime Minister Kishida urging him to raise this key issue with President Biden during their summit. 

The U.S. and Japan share a broad alignment on fostering innovation in critical and emerging technologies, so we hope to see new agreements to support AI and quantum computing, next-generation clean energy, semiconductors, and healthcare innovation, among others. The summit also presents a chance for Japan to take advantage of the U.S.’ diverse ecosystem of defense products and services to augment its capabilities as part of its commitment to raise defense spending to 2% of its GDP. 

The Chamber’s Take 

The U.S.-Japan relationship is at a new high-water mark thanks to the combined efforts of public and private leaders on both sides of the Pacific. This state visit is an important opportunity to reestablish support for longstanding U.S. positions on foreign direct investment, energy, and more. It can also be a venue to forge new frameworks that will enable our countries to adapt to our increasingly dynamic geopolitical environment.

The U.S. Chamber’s U.S.-Japan Business Council, together with its Japanese counterpart, laid out a series of recommendations on creating the right conditions for the private sector to reach its potential to deliver innovative solutions to these challenges.  We are at a crucial inflection point, and given the myriad uncertainties and political machinations involved, the summit is an essential event to chart our shared future.  

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About the authors, charles freeman.

Charles Freeman, senior vice president for Asia at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, has been helping companies navigate complex markets in the Asia-Pacific for 25 years. His career included senior stints in government, business, law, and academia, giving him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in the world’s most dynamic region.

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