How to Say ‘May I talk?’ in Japanese
お話ししてもいいですか
o hanashi shi te mo ii desu ka
[oh hah-nah-shee shee teh moh ee-ee dess kah]
💬 Usage Tip: [〜してもいいですか] means “May I do ~?” So [お話ししてもいいですか] is a polite way to ask permission to speak.
🇯🇵 In Japan: Asking permission before speaking at length is common in polite Japanese settings, especially in meetings, interviews, or presentations.
Phrase Breakdown
お
o
[oh]
honorific prefix
A polite prefix added to some words to make them sound more respectful.
お話ししてもいいですかと聞きました。
I asked, 'May I speak?'
話し
hanashi
[hah-nah-shee]
talk; speaking
From the verb 話す, this part refers to talking or speaking.
話しを聞く前にメモを用意します。
I prepare notes before listening to the talk.
し
shi
[shee]
do
The verb する in stem form. It joins with other forms to make many expressions.
もう少ししませんか。
Won't we do a little more?
て
te
[teh]
and; -te form linker
The て-form ending links actions or grammar patterns, such as permission expressions.
写真を見て話しました。
We looked at the photos and talked.
も
mo
[moh]
also; even; if
Here it is part of the pattern てもいい, meaning 'it is okay to.'
今行っても大丈夫です。
It is okay to go now.
いい
ii
[ee-ee]
good; okay
Means something is good or acceptable. In てもいい, it means permission is allowed.
ここで待ってもいいです。
It is okay to wait here.
です
desu
[dess]
is; polite ending
A polite copula used to make sentences sound formal and polite.
これは大切です。
This is important.
か
ka
[kah]
question marker
Placed at the end of a sentence to turn it into a question.
いいですかと先生に聞きました。
I asked the teacher, 'Is it okay?'
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