⏱️❓🙋

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

[ima skoh-SHEE yo-ro-SHEE dess ka]

💬 Usage Tip: よろしいですか is the extra-polite version of いいですか "is it okay?", so you can swap it in for any permission question to a superior.

🇯🇵 In Japan: This is the standard way to approach a boss at their desk. It signals you're about to raise something that needs their time.

Phrase Breakdown

今少し

ima sukoshi

now, a little (time)

今 (ima) means 'now' and 少し (sukoshi) means 'a little'. The 'u' in sukoshi is nearly silent: 'skoshi'.

Example

今少し忙しいです。

I'm a little busy now.

Words in this phrase

今

ima

[ima]

now

At the present moment.

Example

今、始まります。

Now, it begins.

少し

sukoshi

[skoh-SHEE]

a little

Adverb meaning a small amount.

Example

砂糖を少し入れます。

I add a little sugar.

よろしいですか。

yoroshii desu ka

Is it all right?

This is the polite form of いいですか, used to ask permission politely. Raise your pitch slightly at the end.

Example

ここに座ってもよろしいですか。

May I sit here?

Words in this phrase

よろしい

yoroshii

[yo-ro-SHEE]

all right; acceptable (polite)

Polite form of 'good'; used in asking permission.

Example

お電話してもよろしいですか。

May I call you?

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

[ka]

question particle

Used to create a yes/no question in informal speech.

Example

行くか？

Shall we go?

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 Lesson

What 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