How to Say ‘May I take one?’ in Japanese
一枚撮ってもいいですか。
itsu mai totsu te mo ii desu ka
[ichi mai tot te mo ee dess kah]
💬 Usage Tip: 〜てもいいですか (te mo ii desu ka) asks "may I ~?" and takes any verb in its te-form: 座ってもいいですか "may I sit?". Notice there's no word for "photo" here; 一枚 (ichi-mai) already tells the listener it's a picture.
Phrase Breakdown
一枚撮っても
itsu mai totsu te mo
even if I take one (photo)
一枚 (ichimai) is 'one' with the counter for flat things like photos. 撮って (totte) is from 撮る, 'to take a photo'. Hold the double 't' slightly: 'tot-te'. The ending ても means 'even if / is it OK if'.
ここで撮っても
even if I take (a photo) here
Words in this phrase
一
itsu
[ichi]
one
The number one. With counters, pronunciation may change depending on the counter.
一杯お願いします。
One cup, please.
枚
mai
[mai]
counter for flat items
Used to count flat objects such as sheets, tickets, and cards.
切符は二枚あります。
There are two tickets.
撮っ
totsu
[tot]
take (photo) / snap (stem)
From 撮る, meaning to take a photo; this stem appears in the te-form.
写真を撮ってください。
Please take a photo.
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?
いい means 'good/okay'. After ても, it makes a polite request for permission: 'May I...?'
入ってもいいですか。
May I come in?
Words in this phrase
いい
ii
[ee]
good; okay
Means “okay/allowed” in the permission expression.
ここに座ってもいい ですか。
May I sit 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