Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu: What does it mean?

In Japanese culture and language, the expression Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu [よろしくお願いします] 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. Yoroshiku comes from yoroshii and means roughly "appropriately" or "favorably"; onegaishimasu is the polite request. Together, you ask the other person to treat the matter or the relationship with goodwill.

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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. That belongs to keigo, the politeness language.

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. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.

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 yoroshiku onegaishimasu.

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. Hajimemashite opens the encounter; Yoroshiku onegaishimasu closes it as a request for a good working relationship.

When you want to ask for forbearance because you may cause trouble

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 may cause you some trouble; please treat me kindly anyway.

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 iroiro gomeiwaku wo okakesuru kamoshiremasen ga, 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, softer than a direct kudasai.

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。今後ともなにとぞよろしくお願い申し上げます。

Saigomade Hon Mēru o Goran Itadaki Makotoni Arigatōgozaimashita. Kongo Tomo nanitozo 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

Asking for cooperation

To ask for the support the other person will give you, for help and collaboration on their part, Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu is also used. The formula looks toward the cooperation that is still to come.

Example phrase: Please, I ask for your cooperation

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

Asking for consideration

When you want someone to review a proposal, a contract, or a situation and weigh it carefully, this expression is also used.

The phrase is: Please consider this

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

Asking for 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: I ask 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, yoroshiku onegaishimasu.

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. In business mail, よろしくお願いします is usually written in hiragana; the kanji spelling 宜しくお願い致します appears, but it is less common.

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

Yoroshiku onegaishimasu looks forward: to the cooperation, the reply, the review, or the relationship still to come. For something that has already happened, arigatō remains the fitting thank-you. If you tie the phrase to the situation instead of hunting for a single English equivalent, it sounds where Japanese expects it.