“Yoroshiku onegaishimasu” (よろしくお願いします) is a staple Japanese phrase used in countless situations: when you meet someone new, ask for a favor, email a coworker, or even end a casual text. Although there is technically a literal translation — something like “please treat me well” or “I humbly ask for your favor” — yoroshiku onegaishimasu does not translate neatly in English. It expresses gratitude, humility, cooperation, and future goodwill, all wrapped into one.
In fact, yoroshiku onegaishimasu can have various definitions, depending on the situation. It can be interpreted as “Nice to meet you,” “Thanks in advance” or even “I’m counting on you.” So when are you supposed to use it? Let’s examine a few examples!
Breaking Down Yoroshiku Onegiashimasu
Yoroshiku onegaishimasu consists of two parts: yoroshiku and onegaishimasu. Putting it together, よろしくお願いします is about asking for cooperation or goodwill in an indirect, humble way.If you’re more of a visual learner, be sure to check out our YouTube video on the topic, where Nami-sensei breaks it down with clear examples and practical usage tips!
1. よろしく (yoroshiku)
This is the adverbial form of “yoi” (良い), which means “good” or “well.”
However, in this context, “yoroshiku” doesn’t literally mean “well” the way it does in English. Instead, it expresses the hope that something will go smoothly, kindly, or favorably. It’s a soft, indirect way of saying “please treat this (or me) well” or “I hope for a good relationship/favor/result.”
2. お願いします (onegaishimasu)
From the verb “negau” (願う) meaning “to wish” or “to request,” お願いします (onegaishimasu) is a polite and keigo version of saying “I humbly request” or “please.” Therefore, “Onegaishimasu” is commonly used when making requests, asking for help, or initiating polite interactions.
Various Meanings for Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu
1. When It’s Your First Time Meeting Someone
Have you ever had to introduce yourself in Japanese? Typically, you will start by mentioning your name and saying hello to someone you meet for the first time. However, it is typical to end your speech with a “yoroshiku onegaishimasu” to tie up everything. It’s a way of humbly asking for a good relationship moving forward. This is such a versatile phrase that even in casual settings, omitting it can feel a bit abrupt or even impolite!
In this case, a greeting similar to “nice to meet you” is used. It is not very difficult to translate, as similar expressions exist in every language. As a result, よろしくお願いします (yoroshiku onegaishimasu) is usually among the first few phrases learned by new Japanese students.
Take a look at another example.
Sato: はじめまして。佐藤（佐藤）です。- Hajimemashite. Satou desu.
Louise: ルイスです。よろしくお願（ねがい）いします。- Ruisudesu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
Sato: こちらこそ、よろしくお願（ねがい）いします。- Kochira koso, yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
Sato: Hi, my name is Sato.
Louise: My name is Louise. Nice to meet you.
Sato: Nice to meet you too.
2. When Saying Words of Encouragement or Gratitude
Sometimes, yoroshiku onegaishimasu can be used as a way to say thank you in Japanese. More accurately, it can be used to express encouragement, appreciation, or mutual support. In these cases, it carries a warm, collaborative tone, often used when starting a new project, working together toward a shared goal, or simply recognizing someone’s time!
Sato: みなさん、おそろいですか？- Minasan, osoroidesuka?
Louise: はい、そのようです。- Hai, sono you desu.
Sato: では始（はじ）めましょう。今日（きょう）はよろしくお願（ねがい）いします。- De wa hajimemashou. Kyō wa yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
Sato: Is everyone here?
Louise: Yes, it seems like it.
Sato: Well then, let’s begin. Today, yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
Encouragement (let’s work hard together), or words of gratitude (thank you for your valuable time) can be inferred from this context. However, in other contexts, it could sound like a preemptive excuse, as if you are saying, “Please be generous and overlook any problems.”
3. When You Are Writing a Japanese Email
In business or formal Japanese email communication, “yoroshiku onegaishimasu” is often used to close the message politely, especially when requesting something or expecting a response or action. Think of it as the Japanese equivalent of phrases like “I look forward to your cooperation.”
Example 1:
今後ともどうぞよろしくお願いいたします。
Kongo tomo douzo yoroshikuk onegai itashimasu.
I (humbly) ask for your continued support.
Example 2:
添付の資料で何かわからない点ありましたらお知らせください。以上です。よろしくお願いします。
Tenpu no shiryou de nani ka wakaranai ten ga arimashitara oshirase kudasai. Ijoudesu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
Please contact me if you have any questions after checking the attached file. That is all, yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
4. When You Are Asking for Help or a Favor
Going back to its root meaning, asking for help or a favor, a common situation where “yoroshiku onegaishimasu” is used is when you’re requesting someone to do something, whether the task is big or small. In this context, the phrase adds politeness and softens the request, making it feel more humble and respectful. This usage is extremely common in both spoken and written communication, especially in workplaces, schools, or even casual messaging between friends.
Example (Casual):
明日、手伝ってくれる？よろしくね！
Ashita, tetsudatte kureru? Yoroshiku ne!
Can you help me out tomorrow? Thanks!”
Example (Polite):
この件、対応をお願いいたします。よろしくお願いいたします。
Kono gen, taiou o onegai itashimasu. Yoroshiku onegai itashimasu.
Please take care of this matter. I appreciate your help in advance.
5. When Used in Commercial Advertising
Yes, you might hear this Japanese phrase said during announcements or even commercials! In this context, the phrase is used as a polite and familiar way to build rapport with the audience, inviting support, attention, or future business.
Example:
新（あたら）しいシングルが７月７日にリリースされます！みなさん、どうぞよろしくお願（ねがい）いします！
Atarashii shinguru ga shichi gatsu nanoka ni ririisu saremasu! Minasan, douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu!
The new single will go on sale July 7. Everyone, yoroshiku onegaishimasu!
Variations of Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu
While よろしくお願いします is the standard form, you’ll often hear and see variations of it, depending on the level of politeness, formality, or the relationship between the speakers. Here are some of the most common versions:
1. よろしくね (Yoroshiku ne)
Shortening this is akin to saying, “Thanks” instead of “Thank you very much.” In Japanese, “ne” (ね) is a sentence-ending particle used to seek confirmation, agreement, or to add a friendly, engaging tone to a conversation.
Casual forms like “yoroshiku ne” should not be used with your manager, client, teacher, or anyone above you in status, even if you’re on friendly terms.
Example:
明日、お願いね。よろしくね！
Ashita, onegai ne. Yoroshiku ne!
Please take care of it tomorrow. Thanks!
2. どうぞよろしくお願いします (Douzo yoroshiku onegai shimasu)
This variation adds an extra layer of politeness and warmth. The addition of “どうぞ,” meaning “please,” makes the phrase softer and more sincere. We commonly use it in formal situations like introductions, business emails, or meetings, where you want to come across as courteous and cooperative.
In English, it might be interpreted as: “I sincerely ask for your kind cooperation” or “Please treat me favorably.”
3. よろしくお願いいたします (Yoroshiku onegai itashimasu)
This is the most formal and respectful version of the phrase, using “いたします” (itashimasu). いたします is the humble form of “します.” It conveys a tone of deep humility and respect, and is often interpreted as “I sincerely and humbly ask for your cooperation.”
4. 今後ともよろしくお願いします (Kongo tomo yoroshiku onegai shimasu)
Although not technically a new version of yoroshiku onegaishimasu, the phrase “kongo tomo” adds the nuance of continuity. “Kongo tomo yoroshiku onegaishimasu” roughly means “I appreciate your continued support” or “I look forward to working with you going forward.”
The phrase “今後とも” means “from now on as well,” so it shows that you’re not just thanking them for the present, but also expressing appreciation for future collaboration.
How to Respond to Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu
The most common and safest reply is simply saying it back, especially in introductions or mutual agreements. Adding “こちらこそ” (“likewise” / “the pleasure is mine”) makes your reply sound warm and polite. In informal or face-to-face settings, a smile and nod, sometimes with a simple “はい、よろしく！” is perfectly acceptable, especially if you’re being asked for a small favor or teamwork.
On the other hand, when you’re asked to do something in a work setting, a very polite way to respond is by saying “かしこまりました” (kashikomarimashita). This phrase means “Certainly,” “Understood,” or “I will do that right away.”
Conclusion
As shown, there are several ways to translate the meaning of yoroshiku onegaishimasu, but the important point to note is that it is not said about something that has already happened. Instead, it is used as an expression of gratitude, apology, explanation, or expression of something that will happen in the future.
It is important to say arigatou (thank you) or gomen nasai (sorry) about something that has not yet happened.
In any event, yoroshiku onegaishimasu is an extremely convenient way to end conversations and write emails. From now on, please closely observe the situations and conversations in which it is used. よろしくお願いします!
Another business phrase you can find out more about is “Otsukaresama desu” so find out more! If you’re interested in learning more Japanese phrases like よろしくお願いします (Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu), consider studying Japanese with us!
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FAQ
What is the meaning of yoroshiku onegaishimasu?
It’s a polite phrase used to request goodwill, cooperation, or favor, often meaning “Please treat me well” or “Thank you in advance.”
What to reply to Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu?
A common reply is “こちらこそよろしくお願いします” (“Likewise, please treat me well”).
What is the difference between Hajimemashite and Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu?
“Hajimemashite” means “Nice to meet you” and is used only at first introductions, while “yoroshiku onegaishimasu” expresses a request for future kindness or cooperation.
Is it Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu or Arigato Gozaimasu?
They have different meanings: “Yoroshiku onegaishimasu” is a polite request or greeting, while “arigatou gozaimasu” means “Thank you.”
Can I just say “yoroshiku”?
Yes, you can say “yoroshiku” casually with friends or peers, but it’s better to use the full “yoroshiku onegaishimasu” in formal or polite situations.
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Article source: https://cotoacademy.com/yoroshiku-onegaishimasu/
