どうぞ

ど

う

ぞ

Common wordJLPTN5Freq.FrequencyTop 2,000

Meanings

adverb

Polite request marker. Used when offering something or asking someone to do something. Often paired with ください or a request form.

adverb

Used when giving permission or accepting a request, often with a warm, encouraging tone. Common in responses like どうぞどうぞ.

adverb

here you are

Said when handing something to someone, often with a slight bow or polite gesture. Equivalent to 'here you go'.

noun or participle which takes 'suru'

children's language

Children's language for giving something. Used as a する-verb: どうぞする. Not used in adult speech except when talking to very young children.

ください
ください is a direct request form ('please give me' or 'please do'), while どうぞ softens the request and adds politeness, often used together.
どうか
どうか is a stronger, more earnest 'please' used for heartfelt requests or prayers, while どうぞ is a standard polite offer or invitation.

Derived from the adverb どう (how) + emphatic particle ぞ. Originally meant 'in whatever way', then developed into a polite offering expression.