How to Say ‘When is it? (polite)’ in Japanese
いつですか
itsu desu ka
[ee-tsoo dess kah]
💬 Usage Tip: Basic polite timing question. In a clinic, attach a topic: [つぎはいつですか] (When is the next visit?).
🇯🇵 In Japan: If you don’t catch the schedule, it’s fine to ask again—staff expect that, especially with non-native speakers.
Phrase Breakdown
いつ
itsu
[ee-tsoo]
when
“When.” Used before ですか to form a polite question.
次はいつ ですか。
When is it next?
です
desu
[dess]
is; polite copula
Polite “to be.” Used in questions and answers: いつですか / 〜です.
検査は明日です。時間は何時 ですか。
The test is tomorrow. What time is it?
か
ka
[kah]
question particle
Makes the sentence a question. いつですか = “When is it?”
予約はいつです か。
When is the appointment?
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