どうぞ

JLPT:N5
Frequency:
1

A polite expression used when asking someone to do something: 'please' (do ...).

Adverb

Examples

席に座ってください。どうぞ。

Please take a seat. Go ahead.

お先にどうぞ。→ どうぞ、お先に。

After you. — Please, go ahead.

2

Used to give permission or encourage someone to do something: 'by all means', 'feel free to'.

Adverb

Examples

写真を撮ってもいいですか? どうぞ、遠慮なく撮ってください。

May I take a picture? By all means, feel free to take one.

もし手伝いが必要なら、どうぞ言ってください。

If you need help, please do tell me.

3

Used when handing something to someone: 'here you are'.

Adverb

Examples

『コーヒーはいかがですか?』『お願いします。』『どうぞ』

Would you like some coffee? — Yes, please. — Here you are.

店員がレシートを渡して『どうぞ』と言った。

The clerk handed me the receipt and said, 'here you go.'

4

In child language, can function as a noun or in expressions like 'どうぞする' meaning 'to give' (informal/child speech).

Irregular VerbChildren's Language

Examples

小さな子がぬいぐるみを差し出して『どうぞ』と言った(子ども語での使用)。

A small child offered a stuffed toy and said 'here, take it' (child usage).