Whenever I am translating anything for Nacos, the most difficult expression (and one of the most often used) is, "yoroshiku onegaishimasu." So when Michiko asked me to write about this one, I cringed. It is such a common expression in Japanese with all kinds of different uses, but there is really no English equivalent. It is a little ambiguous and has different connotations depending on the situation. It is very Japanese. Well, here goes my attempt.

The first way I heard it translated was, "please be good to me," and I guess that's how I still think of it when I have to. If you want to break it down, I guess "yoroshiku" comes from "yoroshii" which is the polite form of "ii" or "yoi" which mean "good." "Onegaishimasu" means "Please do it for me." So, I guess you could translate it as, "Please do good for me." Of course, this doesn't make sense, which is why it is so hard to translate. ;-) (笑)

It is a polite enough expression that you can use it with pretty much anyone you meet. If you use this expression, you will definitely make a good impression. It shows class.

One of the most common uses is when you meet someone. Of course you can say "hajimemashite," but inevitably one person or the other―often both―will say, "yoroshiku onegaishimasu." In this case, it has the feel of, "We just met, but I hope we can be friends" or "if the opportunity ever arises, I hope I can count on you" or "I hope you will look favorably upon me" or, I don't know, something like that. It shows that you respect and want the good will of the person(s) you are being introduced to. If you are joining a group, be it a company, a school, a sports team, a club, or any social circle, you would definitely use this expression to show you want the good will of the other members. In any case, it implies you are looking forward to a good relationship with the other person(s).

Another common usage is when you are asking someone for a favor. After you are finished asking for what you want, you would add, "yoroshiku onegaishimasu." This would have the feeling of, "Please take care of it for me." You can use this whether you are asking a superior or a close friend for a favor, or you can even use it when dropping your laundry off at the cleaners. You can even use it when asking someone to look after a person. If you are dropping off your daughter for her first day of school you might say to the teacher, "Musume o yoroshiku onegaishimasu." "Please take care of my daughter and teach her well."

Let's see, depending on the situation, here are some possible things it could mean. Nice to meet you. I look forward to our good relations. Please look favorable upon me. I look forward to doing business with you. Please accept me as one of you. Please take care of me. Please take care of it for me. I'm counting on you. Please do whatever you can for me. Thank you in advance. Please treat him/her well. I'm entrusting my son/daughter/husband/wife/mother/father/good friend to you. I'm counting on your support/cooperation in this matter.

Well, I hope you are not too confused and are able to use this expression well. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.