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お願いしますけど

onegaishimasu kedo
conjunctive phrase★Intermediate— but please
formal

A polite request that softens the tone by adding a concessive nuance ('but please' or 'though'). Used to make a request sound less demanding while maintaining politeness.

この書類を確認してもらえませんか。お願いしますけど、明日までにお願いします。

Could you check this document? But please, I'd appreciate it by tomorrow.

教えてくれませんか。お願いしますけど、簡単にお願いします。

Could you teach me? But please, keep it simple.

💡

More formal than お願いします but softer than お願いしますが. Often used in professional or service-oriented contexts.

Collocations

時間を守ってくださいplease stick to the time明日までにお願いしますI'd appreciate it by tomorrow

Synonyms

お願いしますがお願いしますお願いいたしますけど

Related Phrases

お願いしますがphrase
a slightly more formal alternative to お願いしますけど
ですがphrase
but/however (used to soften statements)

💡Pro Tip

Softening requests politely

Use お願いしますけど when making a request to someone in a position of authority (e.g., a boss, teacher, or customer). It implies 'I know this is a favor, but please...' without sounding pushy. Example: この件についてご意見を伺えませんか。お願いしますけど、時間をいただけますでしょうか。 (Could I get your opinion on this matter? But please, could I have some time?)

⚡Gold Rule

Contrast with お願いします

While お願いします is a direct polite request, お願いしますけど adds a layer of humility or hesitation. Use the latter when you want to acknowledge the imposition on the listener's time or effort.

📖Word Origin

Combines the polite request verb お願いします (onegaishimasu, 'please') with the concessive particle けど (kedo, 'but/though'). The structure softens the directness of a request by implying a condition or limitation.

📝Usage Notes

1. Primarily used in written or formal spoken Japanese to sound polite yet slightly hesitant. 2. Avoid using with close friends or family, where simpler forms like お願いします suffice. 3. The けど adds a nuance of 'though I know it's a bother' or 'if possible'.

Word Breakdown

お願いします
please (polite request form of 願う 'to request')
root
+
けど
but/though (concessive particle)
particle
和英辞典

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