Translation guide
The English word "please" is used to make polite requests, invitations, or to express exasperation. In Japanese, politeness is built into verb forms and sentence endings rather than a single word. The most common equivalent is ください (kudasai), but many other expressions exist depending on formality and context.
Water, please.
Please come in.
Asking someone to do something politely
The standard polite request form. Attach to the te-form of a verb. Suitable for most everyday situations.
Please wait a moment.
Please write your name here.
A more polite and softer request than 〜てください. Often used in customer service or formal situations.
A humble polite request, literally 'Could I receive the favor of you doing...'. Very polite and respectful.
Could you please sign here?
A casual but still polite request among friends or equals. More direct than 〜てくださいませんか.
Could you help me a bit?
The casual request form, just the te-form without ください. Used among close friends or family. Can sound blunt if used inappropriately.
Asking for something politely
Used when asking for an object. Literally 'please give me ~'. The particle を can be omitted in casual speech.
Water, please.
Politely inviting someone to do something
Used when offering something or inviting someone to go ahead. Often translates to 'please (go ahead)' or 'here you are'.
Expressing frustration or urgency
Literally 'because I'm begging you', used when pleading or expressing exasperation. Often followed by a request.
Giving a polite command or instruction
In written instructions or formal announcements, ください can be used after a noun or verb stem without て. This is a more direct, formal imperative.
Please be careful.
In English, 'please' can be added to almost any request. In Japanese, politeness is conveyed through verb forms and sentence endings. Simply saying プリーズ (puriizu) sounds unnatural. Use the appropriate request form instead.
Please pass the salt.
Both can be used to request something, but ください is more direct ('give me'), while お願いします is more like 'I request'. In shops, お願いします is often more natural when ordering.
Would you please wait a moment?
その本をください。
Please give me that book.
A polite way to request something, often used in restaurants or shops. Literally 'I request ~'.
Coffee, please.
Please come in.
Please (help yourself).
A polite invitation pattern. Attach to the negative stem of a verb. Equivalent to 'Won't you ~?' or 'Would you like to ~?'.
Would you like to see a movie together?
Please, just be quiet!
A simple 'please' used when begging or pleading. Can be used alone or with a request.
Please, help me!
Coffee, please. (at a cafe)
Give me coffee, please. (more direct)
When offering something to someone, どうぞ is the natural equivalent of 'please (take it)'. It can be used alone or with a verb.
Here you are. / Please.
Could you please open the window?
Please don't smoke here.