どうぞ

Japanese

Japanese phrasebook

This entry is part of the phrasebook project, which presents criteria for inclusion based on utility, simplicity and commonness.

Etymology

From どう (dō, “how, anyhow”) + ぞ (zo, emphatic particle).

Pronunciation

• (Tokyo) どーぞ [dóꜜòzò] (Atamadaka – [1])
• IPA^(key): [do̞ːzo̞]

Adverb

どうぞ • (dōzo) 

1. (used to express one's strong desire for something) no matter how; by all means; seriously (often untranslatable)

   どうぞ大(だい)学(がく)に入(い)れますように

   Dōzo daigaku ni iremasu yō ni

   I hope I can go to the university.

   どうぞして産(う)みの母(はは)にめぐりあいたい

   Dōzo shite umi no haha ni meguriai-tai

   I hope to find my birth mother some day.

2. (used when offering something or permissions) please (go ahead); help yourself; certainly you may; here you are

   どうぞご堪(たん)能(のう)ください

   Dōzo go tannō kudasai

   Please enjoy your meal.

Synonyms

• (desire): どうか (dōka)

Interjection

どうぞ • (dōzo) 

1. (procedure word) over