How to Say ‘May I talk a little?’ in Japanese
少しお話ししてもいいですか。
sukoshi o hanashi shi te mo ii desu ka
[skoo-shee oh hah-nah-shee shee teh moh ee-ee dess kah]
💬 Usage Tip: This combines [少し] + [お話ししてもいいですか]. It sounds gentle and respectful, like “May I say a few words?”
🇯🇵 In Japan: This is a very natural phrase when pitching an idea in Japan. It shows modesty, which is often appreciated.
Phrase Breakdown
少し
sukoshi
[skoo-shee]
a little; briefly
Used here to politely mean 'for a moment' or 'briefly' before speaking.
少しお時間をください。
Please give me a little of your time.
お話ししてもいいですか
o hanashi shi te mo ii desu ka
May I speak? / Is it okay if I talk?
Polite way to ask permission to speak. お話しする is a polite form of 話す (to speak).
少し質問してもいいですか。
May I ask a quick question?
Words in this phrase
お
o
[oh]
honorific prefix
Adds politeness to the following word, making the request sound softer.
お話しはあとでします。
We will talk later.
話し
hanashi
[hah-nah-shee]
talk; speaking
Refers to talking or conversation. With お, it becomes more polite.
話しの内容は家族についてです。
The content of the talk is about family.
し
shi
[shee]
do
The stem of する, used here as part of お話しする.
明日しなくても大丈夫です。
It is okay if you do not do it tomorrow.
て
te
[teh]
-te form linker
Connects the verb to the permission pattern てもいいですか.
座って待ってください。
Please sit and wait.
も
mo
[moh]
also; if
In this pattern, it helps form the meaning 'may I...?' or 'is it okay if...?'
使ってもいいです。
It is okay to use it.
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 ending
Adds politeness to the expression, common in formal speaking.
準備はできていますです。
The preparation is done.
か
ka
[kah]
question marker
Marks the whole phrase as a polite question.
今始めてもいいですか。
May I start now?
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 speech recognition to perfect your accent
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Custom Scenarios
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 scenarios made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“Moved to Tokyo and the polite vs. casual speech levels were killing me. This app breaks it all down with real scenarios. My coworkers noticed the difference in weeks.”
Kevin Z., 31, Game Developer
“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