Translation guide
The English adverb 'respectfully' is used to show politeness, deference, or formal regard in speech or writing. In Japanese, this concept is often expressed through verb forms, set phrases, or sentence-final expressions rather than a single adverb. The most natural equivalents depend on the context: formal requests, polite disagreement, or humble descriptions of one's own actions.
To politely ask for something or to address someone with high respect, often in business or official settings.
A respectful request pattern using the honorific prefix お and ください. It is used when asking someone of higher status to do something. The verb stem goes between お and ください.
少々お待ちください。
Please wait a moment. (respectfully)
Please write your name here. (respectfully)
Similar to お〜ください, but used with Sino-Japanese nouns (often する-verbs). The noun goes between ご and ください.
A very polite phrase meaning 'I'm sorry to trouble you, but...' or 'Excuse me, but...'. It is used before a request to show deference and respect.
恐れ入りますが、もう一度お名前をお聞かせいただけますか。
I'm sorry to trouble you, but could you tell me your name again? (respectfully)
To express a contrary view or correction in a respectful manner, often in meetings or discussions.
Literally 'It's rude, but...', used to politely introduce a disagreement or a question that might be considered impolite. It softens the following statement.
失礼ですが、それは少し違うと思います。
Respectfully, I think that's a bit different.
A very formal phrase meaning 'I hesitate to contradict you, but...'. It is used when disagreeing with a superior or in a formal debate.
お言葉を返すようですが、その点については別の見方もあります。
Respectfully, there is another perspective on that point.
To humbly describe an action you perform for a superior, often in written reports or formal speeches.
An adverb meaning 'respectfully' or 'humbly', used in very formal writing or speeches. It is often paired with verbs like 申し上げる (to say humbly) or お届けする (to deliver humbly).
謹んでお悔やみ申し上げます。
I respectfully express my condolences.
謹んで新年のご挨拶を申し上げます。
I respectfully offer New Year's greetings.
A humble expression meaning 'I will humbly do (something)'. It is used to show respect to the listener when performing an action that affects them. The verb stem comes before させていただきます.
後ほどご連絡させていただきます。
I will contact you later. (respectfully/humbly)
To close a letter or email with a respectful tone, similar to 'Respectfully yours'.
A formal closing phrase used in letters, meaning 'Respectfully yours' or 'Sincerely'. It is paired with an opening greeting like 拝啓 (はいけい).
拝啓初夏の候、ますますご清栄のこととお喜び申し上げます。…敬具
Dear Sir/Madam, I hope you are well in this early summer season. ...Respectfully yours.
A less formal closing for letters, similar to 'Best regards' or 'Sincerely'. It is used with 前略 (ぜんりゃく) as the opening.
There is no single Japanese adverb that covers all uses of 'respectfully'. Using a literal translation like 尊敬して (そんけいして) would sound unnatural. Instead, choose the appropriate polite expression based on the situation.
お〜ください is more respectful than the standard 〜てください. Use お〜ください when speaking to customers, superiors, or in formal situations. 〜てください is polite but can sound too direct in highly formal contexts.
前略先日はありがとうございました。…草々
Thank you for the other day. ...Best regards.