Formal — to stranger
Cultural · Communication
お手数をおかけしますが、よろしくお願いいたします。 — I know this is an imposition, but I'm counting on you. / Thank you for your trouble in advance. (Cultural · Communication, Formal — to stranger, JLPT N3)
You
お手数をおかけしますが、よろしくお願いいたします。
おてすうをおかけしますが、よろしくおねがいいたします。
I know this is an imposition, but I'm counting on you. / Thank you for your trouble in advance.
Romaji: O-tesū wo o-kake shimasu ga, yoroshiku onegai itashimasu. / Reply Romaji: Wakarimashita, makasete kudasai.
Reply
わかりました、任せてください。
わかりました、まかせてください。
Understood, leave it to me.
Gesture & etiquette
This phrase pairs naturally with a slight bow in face-to-face settings, or placed at the end of a written request in email. The tone is warm and appreciative — not apologetic. It signals that you value the other person's effort before asking them to expend it.
This phrase acknowledges the burden you are placing on someone before they've even started — a form of pre-emptive gratitude that is deeply ingrained in Japanese social culture. Skipping this when asking a favor can make requests feel blunt or entitled.