Translation guide
A heartfelt request or plea, often urgent or emotional. In Japanese, this is expressed through specific verbs, set phrases, and humble request patterns rather than a single noun.
To ask someone sincerely and urgently to do something
The most common and versatile way to make a polite request. Can be used in many situations, from casual to formal.
助けてください、お願いします。
Please help me, I beg you.
To make a deeply respectful plea, often in formal or hierarchical situations
A very formal and humble expression used in business or when addressing someone of higher status. Literally 'I humbly make a request'.
ご検討のほど、お願い申し上げます。
I humbly entreat you to consider this matter.
To beg with strong emotion, often in desperate situations
Means 'to supplicate' or 'to plead with tears'. Conveys a pitiful, emotional appeal.
彼女は泣きながら哀願した。
She tearfully entreated him.
頼む is direct and can be used among equals or subordinates, but may sound rough or demanding. お願いします is polite and safe for most situations. For formal entreaties, use お願い申し上げます.
頼むからやめてくれ。
I'm begging you, stop it.
やめていただけませんか。お願いします。
Could you please stop? I entreat you.
English often uses 'entreaty' as a noun, but Japanese prefers verb phrases or set expressions. Using 懇願 as a standalone noun can sound stiff or literary. Instead, use the verb form or a request pattern.
A direct verb meaning 'to ask' or 'to request', often used among friends or in informal settings. Can sound strong or desperate.
頼む！助けてくれ！
I'm begging you! Help me!
A formal verb meaning 'to entreat' or 'to implore'. Used in serious, often written contexts.
彼は助命を懇願した。
He entreated for his life.
An extremely formal and humble entreaty, literally 'prostrating myself, I humbly request'. Used in very serious petitions or written pleas.
伏してお願い申し上げます。どうかお許しください。
I prostrate myself and entreat you. Please forgive me.
To petition or make an earnest plea, often in a formal or public context, like a petition to authorities.
住民たちは市に道路の修理を嘆願した。
The residents entreated the city to repair the road.