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How to Say ‘Are there any seats free right now?’ in Japanese

今って席空いてますかね？

ima tte seki ai te masu ka ne

[ima tteh seh-kee ai te mahs ka ne]

🇯🇵 In Japan: This is a relaxed but polite way to ask, the kind of thing a regular customer would say before deciding whether to stay.

Phrase Breakdown

今って

ima tte

right now

今 (ima) means 'now'. って is a casual topic marker. Make a small pause before 'te': imatte.

Example

今って忙しいですか。

Are you busy right now?

Words in this phrase

今

ima

[ima]

now

A time word meaning now or just now.

Example

今クラブハウスに入りました。

I just entered the clubhouse.

って

tte

[tteh]

as for (casual topic)

Casual topic marker, like は.

Example

明日って休みですか。

Is tomorrow a day off?

席空いてますかね？

seki ai te masu ka ne

are there seats free?

This is read seki aitemasu ka ne, with a rising intonation at the end.

Example

二人の席空いてますかね？

Are there seats for two?

Words in this phrase

席

seki

[seh-kee]

seat

A seat or seating section at a venue.

Example

前の方の席はありますか。

Are there seats toward the front?

空い

[ai]

available; open

From 空く, meaning free or unoccupied.

Example

個室も空いていますか。

Is a private room also available?

て

[te]

te-form ending

Connects actions in sequence, like 'and' or 'then'.

Example

ドアが開いて、入ります。

The door opens, and then I go in.

ます

masu

[mahs]

polite verb ending

A standard polite ending added to verbs, often used in customer service and formal speech.

Example

予約を確認します。

I will confirm the reservation.

か

[ka]

question particle

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

Example

行くか？

Shall we go?

ね

[ne]

isn't it; right

Sentence-ending particle seeking agreement or showing friendliness.

Example

いいですね。

Sounds good, doesn't it?

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