どうぞお先に
dōzo osaki niA polite way to tell someone to go first, often used in situations like entering a room, exiting a building, or proceeding in a line.
「どうぞお先に」とドアを開けてくれた。
They opened the door and said, 'Go ahead.'
「どうぞお先に」とエレベーターに乗り込んだ。
I got on the elevator after being told, 'Go ahead.'
This phrase is commonly used in formal and polite contexts, such as in customer service or when showing respect to others.
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Politeness in Japanese
This phrase is a key example of Japanese politeness culture, where showing deference and respect is highly valued.
⚡Gold Rule
Context Matters
Use this phrase in formal settings or when addressing someone you respect, such as a customer or a senior colleague.
📖Word Origin
The phrase combines 'どうぞ' (please) with 'お先に' (first), creating a polite and formal way to invite someone to go ahead.
📝Usage Notes
This phrase is often used in customer service, hospitality, and formal settings to show politeness and respect. It can also be used when someone is hesitant to proceed, such as entering a room or exiting a building.