❓⏱️

How to Say ‘Can I ask a quick question?’ in Japanese

ちょっと質問いいですか。

chotto shitsumon ii desu ka

[choht-toh sheet-SOO-mohn ee dess ka]

💬 Usage Tip: いいですか "is it okay?" can follow almost any noun to ask permission: 写真いいですか "is a photo okay?". ちょっと "a little" softens the request.

Phrase Breakdown

ちょっと質問

chotto shitsumon

a quick question

'Chotto' means 'a little'. 'Shitsumon' means 'question'. Hold the small っ in 'chotto' as a short pause before 'to'.

Example

ちょっと質問があります。

I have a quick question.

Words in this phrase

ちょっと

chotto

[choht-toh]

a little; just a moment

ちょっと softens the command and means for a moment.

Example

ちょっとまってね。

Wait a moment, okay?

質問

shitsumon

[sheet-SOO-mohn]

question

Something you ask to get information.

Example

質問があります。

I have a question.

いいですか。

ii desu ka

is it okay?

A polite way to ask permission. Raise your pitch slightly on 'ka' to make it a question.

Example

入ってもいいですか。

May I come in?

Words in this phrase

いい

[ee]

good; okay

Used to ask if something is acceptable or suitable.

Example

この場所でいいですか。

Is this place okay?

です

desu

[dess]

is; polite copula

A polite sentence ending used in formal conversation.

Example

少し伺いたいです。

I would like to ask a little.

か

[ka]

question particle

Added at the end of a sentence to indicate a question.

Example

お茶を飲みますか？

Do you drink tea?

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”

Mia S., 25, English Teacher

“I hop cities every few months and this is the only app that actually prepares me for living somewhere, not just visiting. Tokyo was the real test — passed with flying colors.”

James O., 28, Remote Worker

“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”

Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager