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.
Asking someone to do something politely
The standard polite request form. Attach to the te-form of a verb. Suitable for most everyday situations.
ちょっと待ってください。
Please wait a moment.
ここに名前を書いてください。
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.
少々お待ちくださいませんか。
Would you please wait a moment?
A humble polite request, literally 'Could I receive the favor of you doing...'. Very polite and respectful.
こちらにサインをしていただけますか。
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.
ちょっと手伝ってくれませんか。
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.
ちょっと待って。
Wait a sec.
Asking for something politely
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.
頼むから静かにしてくれ。
Please, just be quiet!
Giving a polite command or instruction
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.
塩を取ってください。
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.
コーヒーをお願いします。
Coffee, please. (at a cafe)
コーヒーをください。
Give me coffee, please. (more direct)
どうぞお座りください。
Please sit down.
窓を開けていただけますか。
Could you please open the window?
ここでタバコを吸わないでください。
Please don't smoke here.
A polite way to request something, often used in restaurants or shops. Literally 'I request ~'.
コーヒーをお願いします。
Coffee, please.
どうぞお入りください。
Please come in.
どうぞ。
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 ~?'.
一緒に映画を見ませんか。
Would you like to see a movie together?
A simple 'please' used when begging or pleading. Can be used alone or with a request.
お願い、助けて！
Please, help me!
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.
どうぞ。
Here you are. / Please.
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.
どうぞ。
Here you are. / Please.