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

今、少しよろしいですか。

ima sukoshi yoroshii desu ka

[ee-mah soo-koh-shee yoroshii dess kah]

🇯🇵 In Japan: This is the standard way to approach a superior's desk before interrupting them. It shows you respect their time, and you'd wait for a nod before launching into your news.

Phrase Breakdown

今、少し

ima sukoshi

now, a little

'Ima' means 'now', followed by 'sukoshi' (a little). Pause briefly after 'ima'. The 'u' in 'su' is soft.

Example

今、少し忙しいです。

I'm a little busy now.

Words in this phrase

今

ima

[ee-mah]

now

Means the present time or 'right now.'

Example

今、写真の準備をしている。

I'm preparing for the photo project now.

少し

sukoshi

[soo-koh-shee]

a little; a moment

Used to ask for a short wait or small amount of time.

Example

少し待ってください。

Please wait a moment.

よろしいですか。

yoroshii desu ka

is it all right?

A polite question used to ask for someone's time or permission. Stretch the final 'i' of 'yoroshii' and soften 'desu' to 'des'.

Example

質問してもよろしいですか。

May I ask a question?

Words in this phrase

よろしい

yoroshii

[yoroshii]

all right; acceptable

A polite word meaning 'okay' or 'good,' often used to confirm an order.

Example

ホットでよろしいですか。

Would hot be 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

[kah]

question marker

Placed at the end of a sentence to make it a question.

Example

A席はありますか。

Are there A seats available?

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