Japanese word

どうか

Pronunciation

Romajidōka

Meaning

  • adverbplease

Example

どうかもう一度説明してください。dō ka mō ichi do setsu mei shi te ku da sa i

Please explain it one more time.

Illustration for どうか (please)

More examples

どうかこの件を秘密にしておいてください。dō ka ko no ken o hi mitsu ni shi te o i te ku da sa i

Please keep this matter secret.

Core concept

どうか (dōka) adds the speaker's earnest hope to a request, giving it more emotional weight than a routine polite formula.

Common phrases

  • どうかお許しくださいdō ka o yuru shi ku da sa i

    Please forgive me

  • どうかお待ちくださいdō ka o ma chi ku da sa i

    Please wait

Similar words

どうぞdōzo: Introduces a polite request, invitation, or offer of permission.
何卒nanitozo: Adds formal respect and a strong plea to a request for help or acceptance.
切にsetsuni: Expresses a deep and sincere wish for an action or result.

Definition in Japanese

相手に何かをしてほしいと強く願う気持ちを込めて、依頼や懇願を表す語。ai te ni nan ka o shi te ho shi i to tsuyo ku nega u ki mo chi o ko me te i rai ya kon gan o arawa su go

Word origin

The adverb どうか (dōka, "somehow") combines どう (dō, "how") with か (ka, an indefinite question marker), retaining the idea of wishing for an outcome by some means.

Usage tips

  • どうか (dōka) also occurs in set phrases such as どうかよろしくお願いします (dōka yoroshiku onegai shimasu), where it adds a respectful appeal rather than a casual please.

Other meanings

  • if you wouldadverb

Word lists with this word