何卒(なにとぞ)

An archaic compound of 何(なに) (what) and とぞ (an emphatic classical particle combination). Despite its old origins, it remains very common in modern formal Japanese, especially in business.

Usage

Used almost exclusively in formal written and spoken contexts — business emails, official announcements, and polite customer-facing communication. It elevates the formality of a request beyond どうぞ or どうか. Rarely used in casual conversation.

Common collocations

• 何卒(なにとぞ)よろしくお願(ねが)いいたします — standard closing for formal requests
• 何卒(なにとぞ)ご了承(りょうしょう)ください — please kindly understand/accept
• 何卒(なにとぞ)ご容赦(ようしゃ)ください — please kindly forgive/excuse
• 何卒(なにとぞ)ご確認(かくにん)ください — please kindly confirm

Similar words

• どうぞ — please; general polite usage, much less formal
• どうか — please; earnest personal requests, less formal than 何卒(なにとぞ)
• くれぐれも — sincerely, earnestly; emphasizes the speaker's strong wish