Notes: "The Three Please-es"
Japanese offers three ways of saying "please" depending on context.
Kudasai: A generally polite way of asking people for things, as in
"please wait" (matte kudasai) or "water please" (mizu kudasai).
Onegaishimasu: A very polite and often-used word that emphasizes
your request for the person to do something that requires effort.
"Receipt please" (Ryoushuusho wo onegaishimasu) -> In Japan, preparing a receipt can take some effort; the special "ryoushuusho"
receipt must be hand-written on a special form and stamped with the seal of the establishment.
Douzo: Use when offering something to someone, with the nuance of "at your disposal."
"Please begin (the meal I've just served)," "please feel free to...," and "please come in" can all be expressed simply with "douzo."