Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu, What does it mean?

In Japanese culture and language, the expression Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu is often heard, a phrase that is misunderstood by many, as it does not have just one meaning, just like several other expressions and words in the Japanese language.

Even some Japanese students are unsure of what this expression is about, when to say it, when not to, what it is for, and this is understandable, as it is an expression that varies according to context and situation.

Thinking about this doubt of many, we decided to create this article where we will explain the main meanings of this expression.

We also recommend reading:

• Daijoubu – Understanding the meaning and use of the Japanese word
• Meaning of Nakama – Comrade in Japanese
• Vocabulary – Relationships, love, and friendship in Japanese

Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu – At work when meeting someone

When you meet or encounter someone for the first time within a company in Japan and that person is, for example, someone in a position in the company you work for, you cannot simply greet them using everyday or informal language; you must use polite and formal language, that is, Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu in this context adds a certain kindness to your speech.

In other words, when you meet someone for the first time at work, you should say:

The phrase is: Nice to meet you. My name is (Eita).

はじめまして。(瑛太)と申します。よろしくお願いします
Hajimemashite. (Eita) to moshimasu. Yoroshikuonegaishimasu.

And the way to respond to this is:

Nice to meet you. My name is (Haruto).

はじめまして。(陽斗)と申します。こちらこそよろしくお願いします
Hajimemashite. (Haruto) to moshimasu. Kochira koso yoroshikuonehaishimasu.

Remember to also respond with your name and add こちらこそ (Kochira Koso) since it conveys the sense that it is also something good for you to meet that person.

When you want to say that regardless of the situation, you will be there

When meeting a new employee in the company or who will be part of your team, it is also common to use Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu; let’s see an example.

The phrase is: I might cause you some trouble, but don’t forget that you can always count on me.

今後いろいろご迷惑をお掛けするかもしれませんが、よろしくお願いします
Kongo iroro gomeiwaku wo okakesuru kamoshiremasenga, yoroshiku onegaishimasu

Kongotomo Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu – I hope to count on you from now on

When you finish, for example, closing a work agreement with that person and you want to say that it will be an honor to have them there, the following phrase is commonly used.

The phrase is: I hope to count on you now and henceforth.

今後ともよろしくお願いいたします
Kongotomo Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu

Please, do it

Many times you will see Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu being used as a way of request, a favor for the other to do for you. And Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu is precisely a more polite way to ask for that.

For example: Could you do (…) for me?

～をよろしくお願いできますか？ （お願いします）
～Wo Yoroshiku Onegai Dekimasuka ? (Onegaishimasu)

When finishing writing an email

Usually, when you finish writing an important email, for example, from companies or even DMs on Instagram where you receive invitations, it is customary to add Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu at the end.

To make it clear what you expect in response from that person you are sending the email to. An example taken from a real email.

The phrase is: Thank you very much for reading this email to the end. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you in the future.

最後まで本メールをご覧いただき誠にありがとうございました。今後ともなにとそよろしくお願い申し上げます。

Saigomade Hon Mēru o Goran Itadaki Makotoni Arigatōgozaimashita. Kongo Tomo Nani Toso yoroshiku onegai mōshiagemasu.

Tell him/her that I sent regards

In the Japanese language, it is also possible to express this idea using
Yoroshiku.

The phrase is: Tell Peter that I sent regards.

ピーターによろしく
Pītā ni Yoroshiku

Another example is:

Please, send regards to Peter.
Please, send my regards to Peter.

ピーターによろしくお伝えください
Pītā ni Yoroshiku Otsutaekudasai

Thank you for your kind help

To thank for the support that the other person gave you, for the help and collaboration on their part, Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu is also used.

Example phrase: Thank you for your help

ご協力よろしくお願いします。
Go Kyoryoku yoroshiku onegaishimasu.

Second example phrase: Thank you for your cooperation.

ご協力よろしくお願いします。data-no-translation

Thank you for your consideration

When someone decides to step back and see a situation for you, trying to correct something, or review, this expression is also used.

The phrase is: Thank you for your consideration

ご検討よろしくお願いします。
Go kentou yoroshiku onegaishimasu

Thank you for your understanding

When someone analyzes a situation for you, tries to listen to you and understand your side, you can also use this expression.

The phrase is: Thank you for your understanding.

ご理解の程よろしくお願いします。
Gorikai no hodo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.

Sorry for anything, and thank you, we count on you

When you know you may cause, or have caused some problem for someone, you can use the expression.

申し訳ありませんが、よろしくお願いします。
Mōshiwakearimasenga, yoroshikuonegaishimasu.

Sorry for the inconvenience caused, but I am very grateful for your help

Just like in the previous example, there is a way to apologize for any inconvenience politely and respectfully, using Yoroshiku Onegai Itashimasu.

お手数をお掛け致しますが宜しくお願い致します。
Otesū o o kake itashimasuga yoroshikuonegaiitashimasu.