How to Say “Please” In Japanese: Kudasai and Onegai Shimasu
Japanese Lesson Notes #4
kudasai
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- Use kudasai when asking for an item (”Give me something, please / kudasai”).
- If you’re not fluent in Japanese, a way to order food at a restaurant is to point at an item on the menu and say “kudasai”.
- When asking someone to do something that involves an action (for example, “Please wait here”, “Please be quiet”), use kudasai. Do not use onegai shimasu in this case.
onegai shimasu
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- Similar meaning to kudasai, but it’s more generally used.
- Can be used to request an item, but is more polite / formal than kudasai.
- Popular way to get someone’s attention (for example, calling a waiter/waitress over to your table).
- Use onegai shimasu when requesting a service that you cannot fulfill yourself (do not use kudasai).
- Use onegai shimasu when asking for someone over the phone (do not use kudasai).
October 12th, 2009 at 7:25 pm
I have been trying to teach myself Japanese and just came across your site when I typed in Kudasai in Google. Imagine my wonderous joy to see exactly what I was looking for staring at me on my screen.. believe me I shall be a regular checking in here. Not sure how many may be doing the same thing but you are to be warmly thanked and I for one certainly do appreciate your time and efforts.
I am a Canadian, using a set of CD’s put out by Topics Entertainment and 85 years old just for your information.