お願(ねが)いします

お願(ねが)いします is one of the most essential polite expressions in Japanese, literally meaning 'I make a request' (from 願(ねが)う, to wish/request).

Formality levels

• お願(ねが)い: casual (among friends)
• お願(ねが)いします: polite (standard)
• お願(ねが)いいたします: humble/formal (business)
• お願(ねが)い申(もう)し上(あ)げます: very formal (written)

Common set phrases

• よろしくお願(ねが)いします: please treat me well (greetings, requests)
• ご確認(かくにん)をお願(ねが)いします: please confirm
• ご協力(きょうりょく)をお願(ねが)いします: please cooperate

Usage

When ordering, use [item]をお願(ねが)いします. When requesting actions, the request is implied from context. Often used standalone as a polite closer to any request.

COMPARED WITH ください:
Both make requests, but ください attaches to a verb (待(ま)ってください, please wait) while お願(ねが)いします attaches to a noun or stands alone. お願(ねが)いします is also the softer and more deferential of the two, so it is the safer choice with strangers, customers, and superiors.