When asking someone for something in Japanese, the expressions you use will change depending on whether you are speaking to a close friend, an older person, or your boss. Learn how to make requests appropriately depending on the situation!
1. Could you please do ~?
"Could you please do ~? (~ shite itadakemasu ka?)" is a Japanese expression used to make a request, and is often used when conveying something very politely. "Could you please do ~? (~ shite itadakemasu ka?)" shows respect to the person you are requesting. For that reason, it is used with people of higher rank, clients in business situations, and superiors at work. Because it is a polite expression, it can also be used when asking directions to someone you meet for the first time. It is not used with close friends or people younger than you. A similar expression is "Could you please do ~? (~ shite kudasaimasu ka?)". Although they have the same meaning, "Could you please do ~? (~ shite itadakemasu ka?)" is a more natural Japanese expression.
Example sentences
I don't understand this math problem, could you please explain it to me?
Kono mondai ga wakaranainode, oshiete itadakemasu ka?
I don't understand this question. Could you tell me?
Example sentences
Would you do business with our company?
Uchi no kaisha to torihiki wo shite kudasaimasu ka?
Would you like to do business with our company?
2. Could you please do ~?
"Could you please do ~?" (~ shite moraemasen ka?) is also a polite Japanese expression for making a request. It is used with superiors, in business situations, and people you meet for the first time, but not with friends. It is often used when you have a strong desire to make a request, and when using this expression, it includes the speaker's earnest wish or plea.
Example sentences
I forgot my wallet, could you lend me some money?
Saifu wo wasuretanode, okane wo kashite moraemasen ka?
I forgot my wallet. Could you lend me some money?
Example sentences
Would you be able to make a donation?
Kifu wo shite moraemasen ka?
Could you make a donation?
3. Please do ~ (~ shite kudasai)
"Please do ~ (~ shite kudasai)" is also an expression used when making a request to someone, but it is mainly used when giving instructions or telling someone how to do something. It is often used as a polite way of making a request while showing instructions or showing the method. In business situations, it is also used when politely making a request to someone younger or a junior colleague. It is also used in a wide range of situations, such as between teachers at school, between store clerks, and between nurses and doctors at a hospital.
Example sentences
Please put the pencil on the desk.
Enpitsu wa tsukue no ue ni oite kudasai.
Please place the pencil on the desk.
Example sentences
Take your medicine every day.
Kusuri wa mainichi nonde kudasai.
Please take the medicine daily.
Example sentences
Use it to clean your glasses.
Megane wo fuku toki ni tsukatte kudasai.
Please use it when you wipe your glasses.
4. I'd like to ask for something (~ wo tanomu)
"~ wo tanomu (~ wo tanomu)" is an expression used when making a request in an imperative tone. It does not show respect for the person you are making the request to and is not polite, so it should not be used with older people, business partners, or superiors at work. It is mainly used by men when speaking to close friends or subordinates. A polite way of saying "~ wo tanomu (~ wo tanomu)" is "~ wo tanomimasu (~ wo tanomimasu)." It implies a desire for the person to carry out the request on your behalf. This expression may not be heard often in everyday life, but it is often used in Japanese dramas and literary works.
Example sentences
Please send me the materials for the meeting by tomorrow.
Kaigi no shiryō wo ashita made ni tanomu.
Make documents for the meeting by tomorrow.
Example sentences
I'd like a glass of whiskey.
Uisukī wo ippai tanomu.
A glass of whiskey, please.
Example sentences
I'm counting on you to take care of my daughter.
Musume wo tanomimasu.
Please take care of my daughter.
5. Would you like to do it for me?
"Will you do it for me?" (~ shite kurenai?) does not show respect for the other person, so it should not be used with superiors. It is an expression used when you want to make a polite request to a close friend or subordinate. This way of asking is a question, so it is a considerate way of asking without forcing the request on the other person. A similar expression is "Will you do it for me?" (shite kureru?).
Example sentences
Can you reserve a conference room for me?
Kaigijitsu no yoyaku wo shite kurenai?
Can you make a reservation for the conference room?
Example sentences
Can you lend me a book?
Hon wo kashite kureru?
Will you lend me a book?
6. Please do it for me (～shite kure)
"~ shite kure" is a strong, commanding request. For that reason, it is used when giving orders or when angry. In business situations, it is often used by company superiors to their subordinates. It is a disrespectful expression, so it should not be used with people who should be treated politely, such as superiors or company superiors. It is often used by men. A similar word is "~ shite," but it has the same meaning and is often used by women. Mothers often say "~ shite" to their children.
Example sentences
Bring me some important documents.
Jūyōna shorui wo motte kite kure.
Bring me the important documents.
Example sentences
Be quiet!
Shizukani shite kure!
Be quiet!
Example sentences
Do your homework quickly!
Shukudai wo hayaku shite!
Do your homework now!
7. Thank you (onegai shimasu)
"Onegai shimasu" is a polite expression that is often used in business situations when speaking to someone older or your superior. It is also used when ordering at a restaurant. It is not often used with close friends or other close associates. An even more polite expression is "onegai itashimasu". It is often used in conversations with business partners and at work. It is an expression that you will definitely use when working, so it is one that you should remember.
Example sentences
We look forward to your continued support of our products.
Kongo tomo waga sha no seihin wo yoroshikuonegaishimasu.
We look forward to your continued support of our products.
Example sentences
I'd like a cup of coffee, please.
Kōhī wo 1-pai onegaishimasu.
I'd like a cup of coffee, please.
Example sentences
Please do not touch this painting.
Kono e ni sawaranai yō onegaishimasu.
Please do not touch this picture.
Example sentences
Please reply to the email.
Mēru no go henshin onegai itashimasu.
Would you reply to the email?
8.Can I ask you a favor?
"Can you please do this?" is a Japanese expression for making a request. It is not a respectful expression, so it is not used with older people or superiors. It is used when you want to politely ask a subordinate or friend. It is a considerate expression without being pushy.
Example sentences
Can you prepare materials for the meeting?
Kaigi no shiryō sakusei, onegai dekiru?
Can you make materials for the meeting?
9. I'd like to ask you a favor.
"Onegai shitaindakedo" is a Japanese expression for making a request. It is not a respectful expression, so it is not used with superiors or bosses. It is used when you want to politely ask a subordinate or friend. It is also used when it is difficult to make a request or when the request is complicated. "Onegai shitaindakedo" omits the words that follow. "Is it okay? (ii)", "Is it okay? (iikana?)", "Can you do it? (dekiru?)", "Can you do it? (dekirukana?)", etc. are omitted. This expression is used when you are unsure whether your request will be accepted.
Example sentences
I'd like to chair the meeting.
Kaigi no shikai wo onegai shitaindakedo.
I'd like to ask you to host the meeting.
Example sentences
I'd like to have my broken game repaired.
Kowareta gēmu no shūri wo onegai shitaindakedo.
I'd like to have a broken game repaired
10. Nice to meet you (yoroshiku)
"Yoroshiku" is a Japanese expression of request. It is not used with superiors or bosses, and it is not used with people you meet for the first time. It is a casual expression used with close relationships such as friends or subordinates. If used with superiors or older people, it may be seen as disrespectful. "Yoroshiku" omits the words that follow it. It omits the expressions of desire such as "onegaishimasu" (please) or "onegai" (please).
Example sentences
A copy of this document would be appreciated!
Kono shorui no kopī, yoroshiku!
Please make a copy of this document!
Example sentences
Please bring me a souvenir!
Omiyage yoroshiku!
Give me some souvenirs!
There are many expressions for making requests in Japanese. This time we introduced expressions for asking someone to do something, but when someone makes a request, how do you respond? In fact, there are many ways to express consent in Japanese.
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