What it literally says

please grant

Japanese politeness is mostly built out of phrases that stopped being literal a long time ago. Knowing what is underneath is the difference between repeating a sound and knowing what you said.

When to use it

Attaches to a thing: kore o kudasai, 'this one please'. Point and say it and you can shop anywhere.

Next in Thanks and Politeness

• Please (I'm asking a favour)お願いします
• Sorry for the trouble / thanks for your effortお疲れ様です
• Thank youありがとうございます
• Thank you for the mealごちそうさまでした
• Thank you (for what you did)ありがとうございました
• Thank you for your helpお世話になりました

The rest of the phrasebook

• Greetings挨拶14
• Apologies謝罪13
• Yes, No and Understanding返事14
• Introductions自己紹介13
• Small Talk雑談13
• Numbers and Counting数14
• Time and Dates時間13
• Asking Directions道案内14
• Trains and Stations電車15
• Taxis and Busesタクシー13
• Hotels and Ryokan宿14
• Restaurants and Ordering食事16
• Allergies and Food Restrictions食事制限13
• Convenience Stores and Shopping買い物14
• Money and Payment支払い13
• Temples and Sightseeing観光13
• Onsen and Public Baths温泉13
• Health and Pharmacy体調14
• Emergencies緊急14
• Lost Things and Trouble困りごと13
• Phone and Internet通信12
• Weather and Seasons天気13
• Reactions and Compliments相づち13
• Goodbyes別れ13

All 337 phrases →