At the beginning of class we say "Onegai shimasu" (pronounced: onney-guy she-muss) as a polite mutual welcome. It literally means "I kindly ask you".
Onegai shimasu is a polite expression that can be translated as "please" or "I ask." However, its use goes beyond a simple request. It carries a tone of humility and respect, especially in formal contexts or when asking for a favor. Unlike the English "please," which is often optional, onegai shimasu is almost mandatory in certain situations in Japan.
It is worth noting that this word is formed by the verb 願う (negau), which means "to wish" or "to beg," added with the honorific prefix お (o) and the ending します (shimasu), which indicates polite action. This construction reinforces the idea of a request made with courtesy, something deeply valued in Japanese culture.
