Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing the idea of a 'special favour' depends heavily on the relationship and context. Direct translations exist but are often too strong or formal for everyday use. Learners should focus on natural phrases that convey gratitude for someone going out of their way, rather than a single word equivalent.
Expressing that someone did something nice or helpful for you, often implying they went out of their way.
A natural way to say someone is being kind to you. It implies they are doing something nice, which can be a favour.
彼はいつも親切にしてくれる。
He always does kind things for me.
Emphasizes that someone went out of their way to do something for you. This is a very common way to express a special favour.
わざわざ駅まで迎えに来てくれてありがとう。
Thank you for going out of your way to pick me up at the station.
A simple way to thank someone for doing something for you. It doesn't explicitly say 'special favour', but it's used when someone does something helpful.
手伝ってくれてありがとう。
Thank you for helping me.
When you want to emphasize that the favour was not just ordinary help, but something special or above and beyond.
Means 'special arrangement' or 'special consideration'. It implies someone used their discretion to do something favourable for you.
特別な計らいをしていただき、感謝します。
I appreciate the special favour you did for me.
A very formal expression meaning 'exceptional kindness' or 'special favour'. Used in written thank-you letters or formal speeches.
格別のご厚意に深く感謝申し上げます。
I would like to express my deep gratitude for your special kindness.
Means 'benefit' or 'favour', but often used in a more abstract or divine sense. Can sound overly dramatic in daily conversation.
How to politely ask someone to do something for you, implying it's a special request.
A standard, polite way to preface a request. It means 'I have a favour to ask'.
お願いがあるんですが、少しお時間よろしいですか？
I have a favour to ask, do you have a moment?
Used when you know the request is difficult or a big favour. It means 'I know this is asking a lot, but please'.
無理を承知でお願いします。明日までにこの書類を仕上げていただけませんか。
I know this is a big favour, but could you finish this document by tomorrow?
Very formal and humble way to ask for a difficult favour. Common in business emails.
ご無理を申し上げますが、何卒よろしくお願いいたします。
I am asking a great favour, but I humbly request your assistance.
Expressing the idea of doing something in return for a favour received.
Means 'to repay a kindness' or 'return a favour'. It's a common and natural expression.
いつか恩返しをしたいです。
I want to return the favour someday.
A lighter way to say 'return the favour', often used for smaller acts of kindness or gifts.
この前のお礼にお返しをさせてください。
Please let me return the favour for what you did the other day.
The English phrase 'special favour' can sound overly dramatic or transactional if translated literally into Japanese. Instead, use context-appropriate expressions like わざわざ〜してくれる or 特別な計らい, or simply express gratitude for the specific action.
わざわざ来てくれてありがとう。
Thank you for coming all this way (special favour).
恩恵 (onkei) implies a significant benefit or blessing, often from a higher power or institution. 親切 (shinsetsu) is everyday kindness. For most 'special favour' situations, 親切にしてくれる or わざわざ〜してくれる is more natural than 恩恵.
彼の親切に感謝しています。
I'm grateful for his kindness (favour).
お願いがあるんですが。
Could you do me a special favour?
Natural Japanese often omits 'special' and relies on context and politeness level.
彼はわざわざ部長に紹介してくれた。
He did me a special favour by introducing me to the manager.
Using わざわざ conveys the 'special' nuance.
自然の恩恵に感謝する。
Be grateful for the blessings of nature.