今日の言葉 – お願いします (onegaishimasu)

When I first started learning Japanese, I thought 「お願いします」 just meant “please.”

But the more I lived, worked, and trained in Japan, the more I realised it means so much more.

The Many Meanings of お願いします

「お願いします」 comes from the verb 願う (negau) — “to wish” or “to request.”

Depending on the situation, its meaning changes subtly:

Before a match or lesson – it means “Let’s do our best together” or “Please treat me kindly.”

> I said it before sparring kendo and playing table tennis, bowing to my opponent.

It set the tone: respect, not rivalry.

At work – it often means “Thank you for your cooperation” or “I’m counting on you.”

> I’d say it when handing someone a project or when finishing an email:

「よろしくお願いします。」(Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.)

When asking for help or service – it’s a polite way to make a request.

> 「コーヒーをお願いします。」(Kōhī o onegaishimasu.)

→ “Coffee, please.” (soft, respectful tone — less direct than ください)

It connects your intention to the listener with respect and warmth.

💬 Your Turn

Think about it — where have you heard 「お願いします」 used?

In anime?

At work?

In a shop or restaurant?

Share one example below 👇

And how would you translate it naturally into English in that context?

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