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How to Say ‘May I ask one question?’ in Japanese

一つ質問してもいいですか。

hito tsu shitsumon shi te mo ii desu ka

[HEE-toh tsoo sheet-SOO-mohn shee teh mo ee-ee dess ka]

🇯🇵 In Japan: Saying "one question" is a polite way to signal that you won't take up much of the presenter's time. People often say it even when they end up asking more than one.

Phrase Breakdown

一つ質問しても

hito tsu shitsumon shi te mo

even if I ask one question

一つ (hitotsu) means 'one (thing)'. 質問しても (shitsumon shitemo) means 'even if I ask'.

Example

一つ質問してもいいでしょうか。

Might I ask one question?

Words in this phrase

一

hito

[HEE-toh]

one

The number one; read 'hito' before the counter tsu.

Example

ケーキを一つください。

One cake, please.

つ

tsu

[tsoo]

counter

A counter for general objects in Japanese.

Example

卵を一つください。

Please give me one egg.

質問

shitsumon

[sheet-SOO-mohn]

question

Something you ask to get information.

Example

質問があります。

I have a question.

し

shi

[shee]

し is the stem of する, meaning to do.

Example

予約しします。

I do the reservation.

て

[teh]

and; -te form

A linking form used to connect verbs to following grammar, such as progressive or polite forms.

Example

仕事を探している人と話しました。

I spoke with a person who is looking for work.

も

[mo]

even

Indicating emphasis or inclusion.

Example

私も驚いた。

Even I was surprised.

いいですか。

ii desu ka

is it okay?

This is a polite way to ask for permission: 'ii desu ka'.

Example

入ってもいいですか。

May I come in?

Words in this phrase

いい

[ee-ee]

good; nice

A common adjective used to show approval or a positive impression.

Example

その考えはいいですね。

That idea is nice.

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?

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