How to Say ‘May I ask you about them?’ in Japanese
相談してもいいですか。
soudan shi te mo ii desu ka
[soh-dahn shee te mo ee-ee dess kah]
💬 Usage Tip: Use 〜てもいいですか for "may I ~?": 座ってもいいですか "may I sit?".
Phrase Breakdown
相談しても
soudan shi te mo
even if I consult / to consult
相談 (sōdan) means 'consultation'. する becomes して, and も adds 'even if'. Hold the long 'ō' in sōdan.
先生に相談しても大丈夫です。
It's fine to consult the teacher.
Words in this phrase
相談
soudan
[soh-dahn]
consultation; advice
Refers to discussing a problem or asking for advice.
上司に相談しやすい職場は安心です。
A workplace where it is easy to consult your manager feels reassuring.
し
shi
[shee]
do (stem)
Verb stem used as part of the fixed polite request phrase.
注文をお願いし、ます。
I would like to place the order, please.
て
te
[te]
te-form ending
Connects actions in sequence, like 'and' or 'then'.
ドアが開いて、入ります。
The door opens, and then I go in.
も
mo
[mo]
also; even
Part of でも, adding the nuance of something like or maybe.
コーヒーでも飲みましょう。
Let's have coffee or something.
いいですか。
ii desu ka
is it okay?
A polite way to ask permission. The 'su' in desu is often nearly silent: 'ii des ka'.
ここに座ってもいいですか。
May I sit here?
Words in this phrase
いい
ii
[ee-ee]
good; okay
Shows that something is acceptable or permitted.
ここに書いてもいいです。
It is okay to write here.
です
desu
[dess]
is; polite copula
A polite sentence ending used in formal conversation.
少し伺いたいです。
I would like to ask a little.
か
ka
[kah]
question marker
Placed at the end of a sentence to make it a question.
A席はありますか。
Are there A seats available?
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 LessonWhat 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