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お願いしますが
onegaishimasu ga
please, but
これをお願いしますが、よろしくお願いします。
Please do this, but I’d appreciate your help.
formal
A polite way to soften a request or add a gentle contrast to a polite request, often used in formal or semi-formal contexts.
これをお願いしますが、時間がかかっても構いません。
Please do this, but it’s okay if it takes time.
手伝ってくださいお願いしますが、忙しいですか？
Please help me, but are you busy?
The が (ga) particle here serves to soften the request, making it sound more polite and less demanding. It is often paired with お願いします (onegaishimasu) to create a deferential tone.
Collocations
これをお願いしますPlease do thisよろしくお願いしますI’d appreciate your help/cooperation
Synonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Softening requests in Japanese
Adding が to a polite request like お願いします makes it sound more natural and less abrupt. For example, 'これをお願いしますが' is softer than 'これをお願いします'.
Gold Rule
Politeness in requests
In Japanese, always use polite forms when making requests, especially with strangers or in professional settings. The phrase お願いしますが is a great way to combine politeness with a gentle contrast.
Word Origin
The phrase combines お願いします (onegaishimasu), the polite form of 願う (negau, 'to wish/request'), with the contrastive particle が (ga). お願いします is derived from the humble verb form, reflecting politeness in Japanese culture.
Usage Notes
This phrase is commonly used in business, customer service, or formal requests where politeness is crucial. The が particle softens the request, making it sound more considerate. Avoid overusing it in casual contexts, as it may sound unnatural.
Word Breakdown
お願いします
please (polite request)
phraseが
but, however (softening particle)
particle和英辞典