お願いします
はい、わかりました
すいません
Introduction to Polite Requests and Acknowledgments
Today we’re learning three essential Japanese expressions that form the foundation of polite daily interactions – making requests, acknowledging them, and expressing consideration. These phrases demonstrate how Japanese speakers communicate with respect and maintain social harmony in everyday situations. For JLPT N5 students, mastering お願いします, わかりました, and すいません is absolutely crucial for basic communication in any Japanese environment.
First Expression: お願いします
Word Breakdown
- お – honorific prefix
- 願い (ねがい) – wish, request, favor
- します – do (polite form of する)
Translation and Context
Translation: Please / I request this / Please do this for me / I’m asking you
Understanding お願いします (Making Requests)
お願いします is one of the most versatile and essential phrases in Japanese, used to make requests politely.
Understanding お願いします:
Literal meaning:
- お (honorific) + 願い (wish/request) + します (do)
- “I do a request” → “Please” / “I’m asking you”
Usage contexts:
- Asking someone to do something for you
- Confirming a request or order
- Accepting an offer politely
- Showing you’re entrusting something to someone
- General polite “please” in various situations
Situations:
- Ordering at restaurants
- Making purchases
- Asking for help
- Requesting services
- Confirming arrangements
Similar to English:
- “Please”
- “I’d like this, please”
- “Could you please…”
- “I’m counting on you”
- “Thank you in advance”
The Honorific Prefix お
The お (sometimes ご) prefix adds respect and politeness to words.
Understanding お in お願い:
With native Japanese words (use お):
- 願い → お願い (request)
- 金 → お金 (money)
- 茶 → お茶 (tea)
- 酒 → お酒 (alcohol)
- 菓子 → お菓子 (sweets)
With Chinese-origin words (use ご):
- 飯 → ご飯 (meal)
- 主人 → ご主人 (husband – someone else’s)
- 家族 → ご家族 (family – someone else’s)
- 質問 → ご質問 (question)
Without お:
- 願い alone is the noun “wish/request”
- 願います – “I wish” (formal but less common)
- お願い adds politeness and respect
お願いします is always used with お – never just 願いします
Different Ways to Use お願いします
お願いします has many practical applications:
As standalone request:
- (Handing something to someone) お願いします
- “Please (take care of this)”
- “I’m counting on you”
Confirming an order/request:
- Customer: これをください
- Staff: はい、かしこまりました
- Customer: お願いします
- “Please” (confirming/thanking)
Accepting an offer:
- A: 手伝いましょうか? – Shall I help?
- B: はい、お願いします – Yes, please
With specific requests:
- 水をお願いします – Water, please
- ゆっくり話してください。お願いします – Please speak slowly. Please.
- 静かにお願いします – Please be quiet
Before a task/game:
- (Bowing before sports match) お願いします!
- “Please go easy on me!” / “Let’s do this!”
Formality Variations
Different levels of “please”:
Very casual:
- お願い – Please (casual)
- どうした? – What’s wrong? (plain)
- どした? – What’s wrong? (contracted, very casual)
Polite:
- お願いします – Please (polite)
- お願いいたします – Please (humble form, more formal)
Very polite:
- お願い申し上げます (もうしあげます) – I humbly request (very formal)
- よろしくお願いいたします – I humbly ask for your favor (business)
お願いします is casual but caring – perfect for friends/family
Common Expressions with お願い
よろしくお願いします:
- “Nice to meet you” (when meeting)
- “Thank you in advance” (when asking favor)
- “Please treat me well”
- Most common phrase in Japanese!
何卒お願いします (なにとぞ):
- “I earnestly request”
- Very formal, written contexts
- Shows serious request
どうぞよろしくお願いします:
- “Please, I ask for your favor”
- Extra polite よろしく
- Business introductions
くれぐれもお願いします:
- “I really ask you” / “Please, really”
- Emphasizing importance
お願いがあります:
- “I have a favor to ask”
- Introducing a request
- お願いがあるんですが… – I have a favor to ask…
Similar Request Expressions
Other ways to make requests:
してください – Please do
- 待ってください – Please wait
- 来てください – Please come
- 教えてください – Please teach me
していただけますか – Could you please
- 手伝っていただけますか – Could you help?
- 見ていただけますか – Could you look?
お願いできますか – Could I ask
- ちょっとお願いできますか – Could I ask a favor?
- 明日お願いできますか – Could I ask for tomorrow?
Second Expression: はい、わかりました
Word Breakdown
- はい – yes
- わかりました – understood, I see, got it
Separate Components
はい:
- “Yes” (polite acknowledgment)
- Shows you’re listening
- Confirms understanding
- Accepts a request
わかりました:
- Past tense of わかる (to understand)
- “I understood” → “I got it” / “Understood” / “I see”
- Shows comprehension and acknowledgment
- Implies you’ll act accordingly
Translation and Context
Translation: Yes, I understand / Yes, understood / Yes, I got it / Okay, got it
Understanding わかる (To Understand)
わかる is a fundamental verb meaning “to understand” or “to know.”
Understanding わかる:
Basic meanings:
- Understand (comprehension)
- Know (information)
- Can tell (recognition)
- Be clear (clarity)
Forms:
- わかる – understand (present/future)
- わかった – understood (past, casual)
- わかります – understand (present, polite)
- わかりました – understood (past, polite)
Usage patterns:
- 日本語がわかる – Understand Japanese
- 意味がわかる – Understand the meaning
- 気持ちがわかる – Understand the feeling
- 道がわかる – Know the way
Particle usage:
- Use が not を:
- ✓ 日本語がわかる
- ✗ 日本語をわかる
Why Past Tense わかりました?
わかりました uses past tense but means “I understand (now).”
Understanding the past tense:
Present わかります:
- “I understand” (general ability)
- 日本語がわかります – I understand Japanese
- Less common as response to instructions
Past わかりました:
- “I understood” → “I got it” / “Understood”
- Shows the understanding just happened
- Acknowledgment of receiving information
- Common response to requests/instructions
Why past tense works:
- You didn’t understand before
- Now you do (past moment of understanding)
- “I have understood” = “I got it”
- Implies you’ll act on it
Similar pattern in English:
- “Got it” (past) = “I understand” (present result)
Formality Variations
Different ways to say “I understand”:
Very casual:
- わかった – Got it (plain past)
- オッケー / OK – Okay
- 了解 (りょうかい) – Roger / Got it (among friends)
- オッケー、わかった – Okay, got it
Casual friendly:
- わかりました – Understood (polite, our phrase)
- はい、わかりました – Yes, understood (adding はい)
Polite/formal:
- かしこまりました – Certainly (service language)
- 承知しました (しょうちしました) – Understood (business formal)
- 承知いたしました – Understood (very formal)
Business/very formal:
- かしこまりました – Certainly (most formal service)
- 承りました (うけたまわりました) – I have received (your request)
はい、わかりました is standard polite – appropriate for most situations
Adding はい (Yes)
The はい at the beginning serves multiple functions:
Functions of はい:
Acknowledgment:
- Shows you’re listening
- “Yes, I hear you”
Agreement:
- “Yes, I accept”
- “Yes, I’ll do it”
Politeness:
- Makes response warmer
- Shows attentiveness
- More respectful than わかりました alone
Common patterns:
- はい、わかりました – Yes, understood
- はい、大丈夫です – Yes, that’s fine
- はい、そうです – Yes, that’s right
- はい、お願いします – Yes, please
Can also use:
- ええ、わかりました – Yes, understood (softer than はい)
Common Responses to わかりました
How to respond after someone says わかりました:
Expressing gratitude:
- ありがとう – Thank you
- ありがとうございます – Thank you (polite)
- お願いします – Please (I’m counting on you)
- よろしくね – Thanks / Please do
Confirming:
- じゃあ、お願いね – Okay then, please
- 頼んだよ – I’m counting on you
- すいません – Sorry/Thank you (for the trouble)
Deflecting:
- 何も言わない – Say nothing (just nod)
- うん – Yeah (casual acknowledgment)
Third Expression: すいません
Word Breakdown
- すいません – contraction of すみません
- Original: 済みません (すみません)
- From verb 済む (すむ) – to be finished/settled
Translation and Context
Translation: Excuse me / Sorry / Thank you / Pardon me
Understanding すいません/すみません
This is one of the most versatile and frequently used expressions in Japanese.
Understanding すいません:
Original form:
- 済みません (すみません) – “It is not settled”
- Meaning: “This cannot be resolved” / “I cannot make amends”
- Shows something is not finished/completed
Contracted form:
- すいません – casual contraction
- Very commonly used in speech
- Both forms are acceptable
Core feeling:
- Expressing that you’ve caused trouble
- Feeling indebted
- Cannot fully repay the kindness/apologize enough
Similar to:
- “I’m sorry”
- “Excuse me”
- “Thank you” (for the trouble)
- “Pardon me”
Three Main Uses of すいません
すいません has three distinct primary functions:
1. Apology (Sorry):
- When you’ve done something wrong
- When you’ve caused inconvenience
- When you’re late
- When you made a mistake
- すいません、遅れました – Sorry I’m late
2. Getting attention (Excuse me):
- Calling a waiter
- Asking someone to move
- Starting a conversation with stranger
- Stopping someone to ask directions
- すいません、ちょっといいですか – Excuse me, do you have a moment?
3. Gratitude (Thank you):
- When someone has gone to trouble for you
- Acknowledging inconvenience caused
- Mixed with apology for causing trouble
- すいません、ありがとうございます – Sorry/Thank you (for the trouble)
This versatility makes it essential but sometimes confusing for learners
すいません vs すみません
Both are correct and commonly used:
すみません:
- Original/standard form
- Slightly more formal
- Written more often
- Clear pronunciation
すいません:
- Casual contraction
- Very common in speech
- Natural in conversation
- Faster to say
In practice:
- Both are acceptable in speech
- すみません in formal writing
- すいません common in casual situations
- Native speakers use both interchangeably
Regional variations:
- すんません – even more casual
- すまん – very casual, masculine
- すまない – literary, masculine
Formality Variations
Different politeness levels:
Very casual:
- ごめん – Sorry (to friends/family)
- 悪い (わるい) – My bad (masculine)
- すまん – Sorry (masculine, casual)
Standard polite:
- すいません/すみません – Sorry/Excuse me (our phrase)
- ごめんなさい – I’m sorry (standard apology)
Formal:
- 申し訳ございません (もうしわけございません) – I sincerely apologize
- 申し訳ありません – I’m very sorry
- 大変申し訳ございません – I’m terribly sorry
Business/very formal:
- 誠に申し訳ございません (まことに) – I deeply apologize
- お詫び申し上げます (おわびもうしあげます) – I offer my apologies
すいません is versatile and appropriate for daily situations
When to Use すいません
Apologizing:
- すいません、間違えました – Sorry, I made a mistake
- すいません、遅れて – Sorry for being late
- すいません、ぶつかって – Sorry for bumping into you
Getting attention:
- すいません、これください – Excuse me, this please (at shop)
- すいません、お会計 – Excuse me, the check (at restaurant)
- すいません、道を教えて – Excuse me, could you tell me the way
Showing gratitude:
- (Someone helps you carry bags) すいません – Thank you (sorry for the trouble)
- (Someone gives up seat) すいません – Thank you (sorry to trouble you)
Asking favors:
- すいません、写真撮ってもらえますか – Excuse me, could you take a photo?
- すいません、ちょっといいですか – Excuse me, do you have a moment?
The Culture of すいません
Why Japanese people say すいません so often:
Cultural context:
- Awareness of causing any inconvenience
- Not wanting to be a burden (迷惑)
- Expressing humility
- Maintaining social harmony
- Acknowledging others’ effort
Mixed apology-gratitude:
- Japanese often apologize when receiving help
- Feeling bad for causing trouble
- Even if trouble was necessary/welcome
- Shows consideration and awareness
Examples:
- Someone holds door: すいません (sorry to trouble you + thank you)
- Someone waits for you: すいません (sorry for making you wait)
- Someone gives gift: すいません (sorry you went to trouble)
This is very Japanese – apologizing even when receiving kindness
Similar Concern Expressions
Other ways to apologize or get attention:
Light apologies:
- ごめん – Sorry (casual)
- ごめんなさい – I’m sorry
- 悪い – My bad
- ごめんね – Sorry (casual, friendly)
Formal apologies:
- 申し訳ありません – I’m very sorry
- お詫びします – I apologize
- 失礼しました (しつれいしました) – Excuse me/I was rude
Gratitude:
- ありがとうございます – Thank you
- ありがとう – Thanks
- どうも – Thanks (casual)
- 恐れ入ります (おそれいります) – Thank you (formal, humble)
Getting attention:
- あのう – Um, excuse me (softer)
- ちょっと – Hey, excuse me (casual)
- 失礼します – Excuse me (entering/leaving)
Complete Context: Service/Request Interaction
Full Scenario
Complete dialogue:
(レストランで) 客: (ウェイターに) すいません! ウェイター: はい、いらっしゃいませ。 客: 水をお願いします。 ウェイター: はい、わかりました。少々お待ちください。 客: すいません。 ウェイター: (水を持ってくる) お待たせいたしました。 客: ありがとうございます。
(At a restaurant) Customer: (to waiter) Excuse me! Waiter: Yes, welcome. Customer: Water, please. Waiter: Yes, understood. One moment please. Customer: Thank you. Waiter: (bringing water) Sorry to keep you waiting. Customer: Thank you.
Alternative Scenarios
Roommate situation:
A: すいません、ちょっとお願いがあるんですが… B: うん、何? A: 明日、駅まで送ってもらえない? B: はい、わかりました。何時? A: すいません、ありがとう!朝8時でお願いします。 B: オッケー、わかった。
A: Excuse me, I have a favor to ask… B: Yeah, what? A: Could you give me a ride to the station tomorrow? B: Yes, understood. What time? A: Sorry, thank you! 8 AM please. B: Okay, got it.
Couple Conversation
Partner making request:
A: すいません、今日遅くなるから。 B: はい、わかりました。何時ごろ? A: たぶん9時。晩ご飯、お願いできる? B: はい、わかりました。気をつけてね。 A: すいません、ありがとう。
A: Sorry, I’ll be late today. B: Yes, understood. Around what time? A: Probably 9. Could you handle dinner? B: Yes, understood. Be careful. A: Sorry, thank you.
Related Expressions
Calling Someone for a Meal
Various ways to make requests:
Direct:
- これください – This please
- 水ください – Water please
- お会計お願いします – Check please
With reasoning:
- 忙しいから手伝ってお願いします – I’m busy, so please help
- 明日までにお願いします – By tomorrow please
Polite:
- 少々お待ちください – Please wait a moment
- こちらでよろしいですか – Is this okay?
Casual invitation:
- ちょっと手伝って – Help me a bit
- やっといて – Do it for me
Concern and Interruption Vocabulary
悩んでる? (なやんでる) – Are you worried? 大丈夫? – Are you okay? 邪魔しちゃった? (じゃましちゃった) – Did I disturb you? 忙しい? – Are you busy? 手を止めて (てをとめて) – Stop what you’re doing ちょっといい? – Got a moment? 中断させてごめん (ちゅうだんさせてごめん) – Sorry to interrupt
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Showing concern
Create appropriate responses for these situations:
- Server takes your order: ＿＿＿＿
- Boss gives you a task: ＿＿＿＿
- You want to call a waiter: ＿＿＿＿
Exercise 2: Complete the dialogues
Fill in with お願いします, わかりました, or すいません:
- A: コーヒー＿＿＿＿。 B: はい、＿＿＿＿。
- A: これやっておいて。 B: はい、＿＿＿＿。
- A: (店員に) ＿＿＿＿! B: はい、何でしょうか?
Exercise 3: Identify the meaning
Is すいません used as apology, getting attention, or gratitude?
- (Bumping into someone) すいません
- (To waiter) すいません、お水ください
- (Someone helps carry bags) すいません
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Using を with わかる
Wrong: ご飯をできる (will be ready)
Correct: ご飯ができた (is ready now)
Past tense indicates completion
Mistake 2: Adding を before できた
Wrong: ご飯をできた
Correct: ご飯ができた
Use が not を (intransitive meaning)
Mistake 3: Being too formal with family
Too formal: どうなさいましたか
Natural with family: どうしたの
Match formality to relationship
Mistake 4: Forgetting the apologetic tone
Sounds demanding: ご飯できたから、来て
More considerate: ご飯できたから…ごめんね
The apology shows awareness of interrupting
Key Takeaways for JLPT Students
お願いします pattern is essential N5 expression for making polite requests. Understanding how to ask for things respectfully is crucial for daily Japanese.
わかりました for acknowledgment is fundamental N5 response pattern. Knowing when to use past tense vs present shows natural understanding.
すいません demonstrates natural Japanese versatility – one word serving three major functions (apology, attention, gratitude).
These three together form a complete request-response cycle that occurs countless times daily in Japanese society.
Cultural Context
Japanese Request and Service Culture
This dialogue reveals deep cultural patterns:
Polite Requests: お願いします shows the Japanese emphasis on making even simple requests with respect and consideration, never commanding.
Clear Acknowledgment: はい、わかりました demonstrates Japanese value of explicitly confirming understanding to prevent miscommunication and show respect.
Excessive Politeness: すいません appears frequently because Japanese culture values acknowledging any inconvenience caused, maintaining social harmony.
Service Excellence: The request → acknowledgment → thanks pattern reflects Japan’s famous service culture where clear communication is paramount.
This represents the consideration and respect of Japanese service communication – where even routine transactions are handled with care and mutual respect.
Wrap-up
Today we explored three absolutely essential Japanese expressions through a natural service interaction: お願いします for making polite requests, はい、わかりました for acknowledging and confirming understanding, and すいません for apologizing, getting attention, or expressing gratitude.
These expressions represent the warmth and consideration of Japanese polite communication. The respect shown through お願いします, the clarity of はい、わかりました, and the versatile consideration of すいません all demonstrate how Japanese speakers maintain harmony and show care during everyday interactions.
What makes this dialogue particularly important is how these three phrases work together to create smooth, respectful communication. Each element shows awareness of and respect for social relationships and obligations – requesting politely, acknowledging clearly, and expressing consideration appropriately.
For JLPT students and anyone learning Japanese, these expressions represent the absolute foundation of polite Japanese communication. Mastering them means understanding not just the words, but the cultural values of respect, clear communication, and social consideration that make Japanese interaction distinctively courteous and harmonious.