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When on business in Japan last year, a Japanese colleague said よろしくおねがいします to
me as the group were leaving after dinner.

I'm aware of its usage in initial greetings, as is usually taught in
textbooks, but what is its English meaning in this context?
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2011-05-31T22:04:17.530
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2017-05-10T00:58:38.497
2011-12-27T01:04:56.010
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translation set-phrases
What does よろしくおねがいします mean when departing?
Very roughly it translates I believe to 'treat me well please' but without the
nuance those words carry in English.

I think in the context you're describing it conveyed a feeling of wanting to
continue a good (working!) relationship in the future.
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2011-05-31T22:34:46.463
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In that context, I would interpret it as a wish for continuing good relations.
It's particularly applicable if you had discussed working together on
something.

In general, it's most often used as a wish for everything to go well, when
doing something together or just being together, and very often when expecting
some form of support from somebody (or the general public). "I wish you will
treat me (us) well".
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2011-05-31T22:34:54.803
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2011-05-31T22:34:54.803
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よろしくおねがいします can mean many things in different contexts.

The phrase is often first learned as a component of introductions, and thus
may be translated as "pleased to meet you" or "how do you do?" but its literal
translation is "please [treat me] well/favorably."

Outside of introductions you'll often hear it:

  * When starting a new project with someone: "Please be a good teammate to me."
  * When you've agreed to help someone or do them a favor: "Thanks, and please help me like you promised."
  * When you're about to start playing a game with someone: "Please don't cheat." :)

Did you agree to help your colleague with something during dinner? That might
account for it.
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2011-05-31T22:41:17.060
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