Yoroshiku onegaishimasu (??????????) is one of those quintessential Japanese words that is highly ingrained into the culture but very difficult to translate to English.
In a large variety of situations, this word can hold various meanings. Let?s take a look at a few examples!
1.When it?s your First time meeting Someone2.At a Meeting/Group Work in University?3.In an Email?4.In Commercial Advertising?5.Conclusion
When it?s your First time meeting Someone
Sato: ?????????? Louise: ???????????????? Sato: ????????????????
Sato: Hi, my name is Sato. Louise: My name is Louise. Nice to meet you. Sato: Nice to meet you too.
A greeting, similar to ?nice to meet you? is used in this case. It is not very difficult to translate as similar expressions exist in every language and thus is usually the first few phrases learned by new Japanese students.
Take a look at another example.
At a Meeting/Group Work in University?
Sato: ????????????? Louise: ?????????? Sato: ???????????????????
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 (please be generous and overlook any problems).
In an Email?
??????????????????????? ?????????????(????????????
Please contact me if you have any questions upon checking the attached file. That is all, yoroshiku onegaishimasu. (yoroshiku onegai itashimasu -keigo)
In Commercial Advertising?
????????????????????? ??????????????????
The new single will go on sale July 7th. Everyone, yoroshiku onegaishimasu!
Set closing phrases such as ??, Keigu (Yours Sincerely), are used in emails and letters. However, there is also a nuance of ?next you have to do something!?. Furthermore, a clear implication of ?purchase the single please!? can be seen in the example of the commercial. want to learn to write a business E-mail in Japanese? Check out our business Japanese Courses!
Conclusion
As shown, there are a number of ways to translate the meaning of yoroshiku onegaishimasu, but the important point to note is that it is not said with regards to 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?s important function is 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 written emails. From now on, please closely observe the situations and conversations in which it is used. ??????????!
Another business phrase you can find out more about is ? Otsukaresama desu? so find out more! If you want to learn business Japanese, check out our business Japanese courses!
Looking to learn more Fun & Easy Japanese? ? please read Nihongo Fun & Easy ? written by Teachers from Coto Japanese Academy
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Originally published at https://cotoacademy.com on February 28, 2015.
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