How to Say ‘Do you have a moment?’ in Japanese
少しお時間よろしいですか。
sukoshi o jikan yoroshii desu ka
[skoh-SHEE oh jee-kahn yo-ro-SHEE dess ka]
💬 Usage Tip: よろしいですか is a politer いいですか "is it okay?". Swap in what you're asking about: こちらでよろしいですか "is this all right?".
🇯🇵 In Japan: Asking before you take someone's time is expected even when the meeting is already scheduled. It's a courtesy rather than a real question.
Phrase Breakdown
少しお時間
sukoshi o jikan
a little of your time
'少し' (sukoshi) means 'a little', and 'お時間' (ojikan) is a polite way to say 'time'. The 'u' in 'sukoshi' is very light: 'skoshi'.
少しお時間をください。
Please give me a little time.
Words in this phrase
少し
sukoshi
[skoh-SHEE]
a little
Adverb meaning a small amount.
砂糖を少し入れます。
I add a little sugar.
お
o
[oh]
honorific prefix used in polite expressions
The polite prefix お makes the following word sound more courteous.
お願いできますか。
Could you please do that?
時間
jikan
[jee-kahn]
time
Refers to time or someone's availability; often used politely in business contexts.
少しお時間をいただきたいです。
I would like to ask for a little of your time.
よろしいですか。
yoroshii desu ka
is it all right?
A polite form of 'いいですか' (is it OK?). Say 'yo-ro-shii-dess-ka' with a slightly rising tone at the end.
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.
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.
少し伺いたいです。
I would like to ask a little.
か
ka
[ka]
question particle
Used to create a yes/no question in informal speech.
行くか？
Shall we go?
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