Translation guide
How to express 'go ahead' in Japanese, covering permission, proceeding, and leading.
The speaker allows the listener to do something, like 'go ahead and start' or 'feel free'.
A polite, all-purpose way to say 'please go ahead' or 'here you are'. Used when offering something or inviting someone to do something.
どうぞお先に。
Please go ahead.
どうぞお入りください。
Please come in.
Casual but polite way to say 'it's fine' or 'go ahead'. The よ adds a reassuring tone.
ここに座ってもいいですか？ ーいいですよ。
May I sit here? — Go ahead.
More formal: 'please feel free'. Often used when offering something for someone to use or take.
パンフレットをどうぞご自由にお取りください。
Please feel free to take a brochure.
Specifically 'go ahead (before me)', used when letting someone go first in a line or through a door.
お先にどうぞ。
After you. / Go ahead.
To start or continue doing something, often after hesitation or a pause.
Polite way to say 'please continue' or 'go ahead (with what you were doing)'.
どうぞ続けてください。
Please go ahead and continue.
Polite 'please start' or 'go ahead and begin'.
準備ができたら始めてください。
Go ahead and start when you're ready.
Casual 'go ahead and try it'. Used among friends or in informal situations.
怖がらないで、やってみて。
Don't be scared, go ahead and try.
Formal 'please go ahead' in the sense of moving forward or proceeding, e.g., in a meeting or process.
質問がなければ、先に進んでください。
If there are no questions, please go ahead.
Physically going ahead of others, or taking the lead.
The English phrase 'go ahead' is often an idiom for permission or encouragement. Translating it word-for-word into Japanese (e.g., 行く前) will not convey the intended meaning. Use the phrases above depending on context.
どうぞ is more formal and often used when offering something or inviting an action. いいですよ is softer and more conversational, like 'it's okay, go ahead'.
どうぞおかけください。
Please have a seat. (formal)
ここ座っていい？ ーいいですよ。
Can I sit here? — Sure, go ahead. (casual)