How do you say "Do you have a moment?" in Japanese?

"Do you have a moment?" in Japanese is "ちょっといいですか。". This phrase is commonly used in Japan.

What does "ちょっといいですか。" mean in English?

"ちょっといいですか。" means "Do you have a moment?" in English. Usage tip: [ちょっといいですか] literally “Is a little okay?” = “Got a sec?” Polite, friendly, and very common.

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How to Say ‘Do you have a moment?’ in Japanese

ちょっといいですか。

chotto ii desu ka

[CHOHT-toh EE DEHSS KAH]

💬 Usage Tip: [ちょっといいですか] literally “Is a little okay?” = “Got a sec?” Polite, friendly, and very common.

🇯🇵 In Japan: Great for calling a staff member or coworker; in offices you’ll hear it constantly before quick questions.

Phrase Breakdown

ちょっと

chotto

[CHOHT-toh]

a moment / a little

Softener meaning “a moment / just a bit,” commonly used to politely get someone’s attention.

Example

先生、ちょっといいですか。

Teacher, do you have a moment?

いいですか

ii desu ka

Is it okay? / May I? / Do you have a moment?

Polite permission/checking phrase: いい (good/okay) + ですか (polite question). Often means “May I?” or “Is now okay?” depending on context.

Example

ここに座ってもいいですか。

May I sit here?

Words in this phrase

いい

[EE]

good / okay

In ちょっといいですか, いい means “okay.” Together: “Is it okay (to talk) for a moment?”

Example

今、ちょっといいですか。

Do you have a moment right now?

です

desu

[DEHSS]

to be (polite)

Polite copula used to keep the request polite.

Example

少しだけなら大丈夫です。

If it’s just a little, it’s fine.

か

[KAH]

(question particle)

Marks the sentence as a question/request.

Example

ちょっといいですか。

Do you have a moment?

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