Extra Notes

Extra Notes of Interest

Note: All notes, quotes and references come from Genki: An integrated Course in Japanese and An Introduction to Modern Japanese, both published by The Japan Times.

(~o) kudasai: “Please give me A”. Use this to request concrete objects in general.


(~o) onegaishimasu: This is also a request for A. It sounds more upscale when used for concrete objects. It's commonly used to order in restaurants, and can be used to ask for abstract things like repairs and explanations.


(~o) douzo: Use this when making a request with respect to item A. It can also be used when a person is waiting for you to come up with something, like a phone number or your name.
          Ex. Onamae o douzo      Your name, please.


~O: is a politeness marker. Park it in front of something like namae, and you're saying “honourable name”.