How to Say Please in Japanese: Kudasai & Onegaishimasu

If you can’t say please in Japanese…

..how are you ever going to speak Japanese? Or just even the basics?

And that’s where this guide comes in. So, let’s read on.

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Quick Answer: 2 Main Ways to Say Please in Japanese

What are the 2 ways? They are…

• Kudasai (ください) – Use this for direct requests and everyday situations
• and…
• Onegaishimasu (お願いします) – Use this for formal requests and showing respect

Now, you may wonder… why not just use one?

Why are there two? Why’s the sky blue?

And when should one be used or avoided? Well.. let’s take a look at each one.

But before we get into it, let me know which team are you on? Team Kudasai or Team Onegaishimasu? Vote below.

Kudasai: The Everyday “Please”

Kudasai is the most common phrase for “please” in most daily situations.

Kudasai comes from the verb kudasaru (くださる), which means “to give” in its honorific form.

When you use kudasai, you’re literally asking someone to “give” you something or to “give” you the favor of doing an action. It’s polite without being too formal… so it’s good for everyday conversations and interactions.

How to Use Kudasai?

You use it with…

• nouns (noun please – water please, pizza please, etc.)
• or…
• verbs (verb please – drink please, eat please, etc.)

Kudasai goes at the end of verbs in the te-form of verbs or after nouns to create polite requests.

With verbs, use the te-form + kudasai pattern:

• Matsu (to wait) → Matte kudasai (待ってください)
  • Please wait
• Hanasu (to speak) → Hanashite kudasai (話してください)
  • Please speak
• Kuru (to come) → Kite kudasai (来てください)
  • Please come

The te-form is a conjugated verb form that connects actions. When you add kudasai after it, you’re asking someone to please do that action for you.

With nouns, put kudasai after the item:

• Mizu kudasai (水ください)
  • Water, please
• Pan kudasai (パンください)
  • Bread, please
• Kippu kudasai (切符ください)
  • Ticket, please

This structure literally means “please give me [noun].”

Now, here are some examples…

• “Menyuu kudasai” (メニューください)
  • “Menu, please.
• “Chotto matte kudasai” (ちょっと待ってください)
  • “Please wait a moment.
• “Kore kudasai” (これください)
  • “This one, please.”

Onegaishimasu: The Formal “Please”

Onegaishimasu literally means “I humbly request” and carries more weight than kudasai.

Onegaishimasu comes from “onegai” (request) + “shimasu” (to do), and functions as “I humbly request (this of you).”

So when you say onegaishimasu, you’re essentially saying “I do a request” or “I make a humble request” in a = polite way So, more formal and more respectful than kudasai.

So, what does onegaishimasu look in actual phrases?

• これをお願いします。
  • Kore wo onegaishimasu
  • I’ll take this please (at store or restaurant)
• お水をお願いします。
  • O-mizu wo onegai shimasu.
  • Water, please.
• ご確認をお願いします。
  • Go-kakunin o onegai shimasu.
  • “Please check (this).
• お会計お願いします。
  • Okaikei onegai shimasu.
  • Check, please.
    

Kudasai vs Onegaishimasu: Which Should You Use?

Let’s make it simple…

• Use ください when you want something simple or physical (food, items, actions).
• Use お願いします when you want to sound polite, careful, or professional, or when asking for a favor or service.

Here are some examples of when to use which… and in which situation.

If you want a more in-depth comparison, check the table below.

Extra Casual Ways to Say Please in Japanese

Now, there are a bunch of other ways to say please.

Without kudasai or onegaishimasu.

But you should only use these with close friends and family… as they’re very much on the casual side.

• Choudai (ちょうだい) – Casual version of kudasai, often used by children or between close friends
• Ending sentences with “ne” (ね) – Adds a soft, friendly tone to requests
• Just using te-form – Among very close friends: “Matte” (待って) instead of “Matte kudasai”

Using these phrases with strangers or superiors is considered rude.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is there a single word for “please” in Japanese like in English?

A: Not really. While kudasai and onegaishimasu both translate to “please,” Japanese expresses politeness through multiple words and grammatical structures depending on context. Think of it as having different levels of “please” rather than one universal word.

Q: Can I just use kudasai for everything?

A: You can use kudasai in most situations, but it may sound too casual in formal business settings or when speaking to superiors. Learning when to switch to onegaishimasu will make you sound more fluent natural… and less so of a tourist that learned a few words.

Q: What’s the difference between kudasai and kudasaimasu ka?

A: Kudasaimasu ka is more formal and polite than kudasai. It’s used in business emails, formal requests, and situations requiring extra respect. Think of it as “would you please” versus just “please.”

Q: Do Japanese people say “please” as often as English speakers?

A: Actually, no. Japanese speakers rely more on polite verb conjugations (like the masu-form) and honorific language rather than constantly adding “please” to sentences. Overusing kudasai or onegaishimasu can actually sound unnatural.

Q: What happens if I use the wrong form?

A: Native speakers are generally very understanding with language learners. A minor mistake won’t offend anyone. However, consistently using casual language with superiors or strangers can create negative impressions in professional settings.

Q: Can I use choudai with anyone?

A: No, choudai is casual and should only be used with close friends, family, or children. Using it with strangers, coworkers, or superiors would be considered rude. Stick with kudasai until you’re sure the relationship is casual enough.

Q: Is onegaishimasu only for making requests?

A: While it primarily means “please” or “I request,” onegaishimasu has broader uses. It’s used when meeting someone (“yoroshiku onegaishimasu”), starting activities like sports practice, and even as a polite way to accept things. It’s one of the most versatile phrases in Japanese.

Read This Last

Kudasai and onegaishimasu…

These are the 2 must-know ways to say please…

So, please leave me a comment or else.

– The Main Linguajunkie

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