Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu (よろしくお願いします): What It Really Means and When to Use It
Yoroshiku onegaishimasu (よろしくお願いします) is often taught as “nice to meet you,”
but that translation barely scratches the surface.
It can mean “please take care of this,” “thanks in advance,” or even “I’m counting on you.”
Here’s how it really works.
If you’ve ever taken a beginner Japanese class, you were probably told this means “Nice to meet you.”
I thought so too. For a long time.
But the more I heard it in daily life, the more I realized that wasn’t quite right.
What it actually means
Yoroshiku onegaishimasu doesn’t have a clean English translation. It shifts depending on context.
Sometimes it means “I’m counting on you.”
Other times it’s “Thanks in advance,” or “Let’s work well together.”
And sometimes, it’s just there to smooth things over.
It doesn’t say much on the surface, but it helps the moment go down easier.
Where it shows up
When you meet someone for the first time.
When you email a client.
When you hand over documents, or place an order, or ask someone for help.
Once, I ordered a bento and the cashier said, “よろしくお願いします.”
I stood there wondering if I was supposed to answer.
That’s when I realized I still didn’t know what it meant.
What I misunderstood
I used to treat it like “Best regards.”
A polite way to end things.
But it’s not really about closing.
It’s more like saying,
“I know this involves both of us, and I’m hoping it goes okay.”
Not formal. Just considerate.
How I use it now
I don’t translate it anymore.
I just use it when something is starting. A task, a relationship, a small handoff.
It’s not about getting the words right.
It’s about sharing the weight of whatever happens next.
That’s enough.
Not sure where to start?
- YOASOBI’s Idol — Lyrics, double meanings, and storytelling.
- Hotspot — A sci-fi drama with very human conversations.
- Hai doesn’t always mean “yes” — One word, many meanings.
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