Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu, although has different meanings, it is a kind of phrase used by the Japanese to great themselves. The meaning of the phrase is not that simple to explain in English but to fully understand its meaning, a full knowledge of the Japanese tradition and culture is important. To the majority of people, the phrase Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu implies “please”, but it is deeper and more elaborate than a mere, please. It can be interpreted as If you please or do this favor for me. However, the real meaning of the phrase is: With all respect, kindly do this favor for me. Let’s learn more on this phrase.
1. How to Use it
The Japanese are known to be humble in nature and in culture. Gratitude is the important expression they use especially when taking their children to school. They say thank you to the teacher and apologize for the trouble they are going through in taking care of the child. Learning and understanding how to use these words will make your stay in Japan more enjoyable, and earn you some respect.
2. Before starting a game, or before a challenge
Karate is a competitive martial art sport that originated from China. It is a means of self-defense that uses three basic movements using the hands and feet; thrust, arm strikes and kicks. Both adults and kids learn this sport. Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu is used by Japanese people in this sport to express themselves to their opponent team and show respect to their rival party.
3. The Importance of these words to the Japanese
These words make the Japanese culture strange to other cultures in other countries. For those of you who have watched the movie “Ip man,” you will see how this kungfu master asks his opponent to go easy on him. This shows that it is not in their heart to be your rival. It indicates care and humbleness towards one another and a good way to have peace at the end.
4. When ending business letters or emails
Most Japanese people use it to end their business letters or emails to indicate that they are through with writing and also to show humbleness. You inform the sender to contact you after reading and viewing any attached document. Then, end with yoroshiku onegaishimasu. The usage of these words depends on circumstance and the association you have with the person you are talking to. This usage is more formal in a business nature.
5. Other Situations you may use Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu
- Sometimes when you ask for a favor from someone, you may say yoroshiku onegaishimasu to say “sorry and thanks for doing it for me”
- Used when you want to start a business meeting or either in a group meeting. In this circumstance yoroshiku onegaishimasu means, lets us begin, let us begin to work together or thank you for your precious time.
- This expression is used to send regards to someone. A good example for this context is when you send a child to give your greetings to his/her mom.
- The word Yorishiku is used to end a conversation after coming to an agreement by saying “okay then?”
There are many ways to use yoroshiku onegaishimasu. The important thing to note and understand is that it’s an expression of gratitude, explanation, apology or other expressions about what has happened or is about to happen.
Have a good trip and travel!
