How to Say Please in Japanese: Politeness, Context & Nuance

When you learn English, “please” feels easy—a single word that works for almost any polite request. In Japanese, however, “please” isn’t just one word. Depending on who you’re talking to, where you are, and what you’re asking, there are several different ways to express “please,” each with its own nuance and level of politeness. Japanese values harmony, respect, and social context—so how we say “please” matters more than you might think.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the main variations of “please” in Japanese: from casual to business-level politeness, and even more formal or traditional expressions. For each, you’ll see when it’s used, why, and example sentences.

Why Japanese has many “pleases”

Japanese is a language deeply attuned to social relationships, respect, and hierarchy. Just as with greetings and farewells (for example: the many ways to say “goodbye” in Japanese), there isn’t a single, universal “please.” Instead, speakers must choose the right phrase to match the relationship, the situation, and the level of politeness.

Using the wrong level can feel too distant, too casual, or even rude. On the other hand, overshooting—using extremely polite language in a casual conversation—can sound stilted or unnatural. The key is to match the tone to the context.

Let’s explore the main “pleases.”

Basic polite requests: ～てください (…te kudasai) & ください

One of the simplest and most common ways to say “please” is by using the word ください (kudasai), often attached to the “-te form” of a verb (…てください), or following a noun to request something. This form is direct but still polite enough for everyday situations.

Find out more: Japanese Te-Form

When to use ください

In everyday interactions: at shops, cafes, restaurants, among acquaintances, or in semi-formal settings.

When you want a simple, polite request — but not overly formal.

Examples

水をください 。
Please give me water.

その報告書を読んでください 。
Please read that report.

Polite and versatile: お願いします (onegaishimasu) / お願い

If ください is a simple “please,” then お願いします (onegaishimasu) could be considered a more flexible, polite “please”—often meaning “I humbly request...” or “I’d appreciate it if you would...”

When to use お願いします (onegaishima)

Examples

この書類をお願いします 。
This document, please.

もう少し時間をください 。お願いします。
Please give me a little more time—please.

Casual / Friendly: お願い, 頼む, ちょうだい

Not every situation calls for formal politeness. With close friends, family, or peers, Japanese often uses more relaxed expressions of “please.” Some of these include お願い (onegai), 頼む (tanomu), or even ちょうだい (chodai).

These are generally not appropriate in formal or business settings but are common among friends or in relaxed everyday contexts.

Examples

お願い！手伝って ！
Please! Help me!

これ、ちょうだい ！
Please give me this!

Offering or Inviting: どうぞ (dozo)

Not all “pleases” are about requesting something. Sometimes you want to invite someone to take something, enter, sit—in those cases Japanese often uses どうぞ (dozo). It’s less about asking and more about giving permission or offering.

Because どうぞ is more about graciousness and hospitality, it’s often used by the person offering something, rather than the person requesting.

Examples

会議室にどうぞお入りください 。
Please (go ahead and) enter the meeting room.

どうぞご自由にお使いください 。
Please feel free to use it (as you like).

Very Formal / Humble / Traditional: お願いいたします, お願い申し上げます, どうか (douka)

In some situations—especially very polite business letters, formal emails, or when you want to show deep respect or humility—you might step up the level of politeness even beyond お願いします. Traditional or more “business-keigo” versions exist.

These forms are less common in everyday casual speech, but knowing them is useful—especially if you read formal written Japanese, work in business environments, or want to understand traditional registers.

Find out more: Introduction to Keigo

Examples

Summary: Which “please” to use, when

Use the simplest form that fits the relationship and situation—but don’t hesitate to raise the politeness level when needed.

A few notes and cultural tips

Find out more: Goodbye in Japanese

Learning how to say please in Japanese with Migaku

We cover all of these forms of please throughout the Migaku academy, you just need Migaku—or at least our 10-day free trial, to get you started!

Please—start your journey with Japanese today.

Learning how to say “please” in Japanese

“Please” in Japanese is more than a single word. It’s a reflection of social nuance, politeness, and context. By knowing when to use ください, お願いします, どうぞ, or even more formal expressions like お願い申し上げます, you’ll be better equipped to navigate real Japanese conversations—whether casual chats, ordering food, or writing a polite business email.

Don’t stress about using the “perfect” phrase. Often, native speakers appreciate the effort, and using a standard polite form like お願いします will get you far. Over time, as you become more familiar with the tone and rhythm of Japanese communication, you’ll start to sense more naturally which “please” fits the moment.

Always remember:

Just, please, don’t beat yourself up if you make a few mistakes along the way. It’s all part of the process.