How to Say ‘May I ask?’ in Japanese
伺えますか。
ukagae masu ka
[oo-kah-GAH-eh mahs ka]
💬 Usage Tip: 伺う (ukagau) is a humble verb meaning "to ask" or "to visit". Staff use it about their own actions to show respect to you; 伺えますか means "May I ask?".
Phrase Breakdown
伺え
ukagae
[oo-kah-GAH-eh]
can ask (humble)
Potential form of 伺う, humbly meaning 'be able to ask/hear'.
ご住所を伺えますか。
May I ask your address?
ます
masu
[mahs]
polite verb ending
A standard polite ending added to verbs, often used in customer service and formal speech.
予約を確認し ます。
I will confirm the reservation.
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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