Translation guide
A polite request formula. In Japanese, politeness is built into verb forms and sentence endings, not a separate word for 'please'. The most common equivalent is 〜てください, but many other patterns exist depending on formality and context.
The speaker politely asks the listener to do something. This is the most common, neutral-polite way to say 'please do'.
Attach to the te-form of a verb. This is the standard polite request form. It can sound direct in some contexts, but is safe for everyday use with strangers, colleagues, etc.
座ってください。
Please sit down.
名前を書いてください。
Please write your name.
Honorific request pattern. Use with the verb stem (masu-stem) of certain verbs. More formal and respectful than 〜てください. Often seen in announcements or service situations.
おかけください。
Please have a seat.
少々お待ちください。
Please wait a moment.
A casual, somewhat feminine or childlike way to say 'please do'. Used among close friends or family, or when speaking to children. Can sound soft and affectionate.
ちょっと手伝ってちょうだい。
Please help me a bit.
The speaker makes a highly respectful request, often in business or service contexts.
A very polite request form. Literally 'Could I receive the favor of you doing...?' It is softer and more formal than 〜てください. Use with the te-form.
こちらにサインをしていただけますか。
Could you please sign here?
少々お待ちいただけますか。
Could you please wait a moment?
Polite negative question form, literally 'Won't you please do...?' It is very polite and often used in formal requests.
もう一度お名前を言ってくださいませんか。
Would you please say your name once more?
The speaker casually asks a friend or family member to do something. No explicit 'please' word is needed; the tone comes from the verb form.
Simply the te-form of a verb, used as a casual request. Equivalent to 'do this' or 'please do this' in informal English. Intonation makes it a request.
Casual request meaning 'Will you do it for me?' The くれる implies the action benefits the speaker. Softens the request.
ドア閉めてくれる？
Can you close the door?
The speaker tells someone to go ahead and do something, often in response to hesitation. Equivalent to 'please do' as in 'feel free to do it'.
Adding どうぞ (please, go ahead) before a 〜てください request makes it an invitation or strong encouragement.
どうぞ食べてください。
Please eat. / Please help yourself.
どうぞお入りください。
Please come in.
Casual way to give permission: 'It's okay to do...' Often used when someone asks if they can do something.
それ、使っていいよ。
You can use that. / Please go ahead and use it.
The speaker firmly tells someone to do something. Not exactly 'please', but can be translated as such in English depending on tone.
A firm command, often used by parents to children or teachers to students. Attach to verb stem (masu-stem). Not rude, but authoritative.
宿題をしなさい。
Do your homework. (Please do your homework.)
A blunt, masculine command form. Can be rude if used inappropriately. Used among close male friends or in rough speech.
早く来てくれ。
Come quickly. (Please come quickly.)
English 'please' is an independent word, but Japanese expresses politeness through verb endings and helper verbs. Adding a word like どうか or どうぞ alone without the correct verb form is not enough. Always use the appropriate request pattern.
✕ ください座る (incorrect)
Don't say 'kudasai suwaru'.
○ 座ってください。
Correct: Please sit down.
〜てください is a direct polite request. 〜ていただけますか is a more indirect, humble request that shows greater deference. Use the latter in business or when making a request that might inconvenience the listener.
When making a request, avoid using 'you' (あなた). Instead, use the person's name with an honorific like さん, or omit the subject entirely. The request form itself implies the subject.
どうぞお入りください。
Please do come in.
どうぞこのケーキを食べてみてください。
Please do try this cake.
ご質問があれば、どうぞお聞きください。
If you have any questions, please do ask.