How to Say ‘I'd like to ask something.’ in Japanese
少しお聞きしたいです。
sukoshi o kiki shi tai desu
[soo-koh-shee oh kee-kee shee tie dess]
💬 Usage Tip: [少し] often softens the request, so this sounds like "I'd just like to ask something," not strictly "ask a little." It's a useful way to sound less abrupt before asking about accessibility or special needs.
Phrase Breakdown
少し
sukoshi
[soo-koh-shee]
a little; a bit
Used here to soften the request, making it sound more polite and less direct.
少しお聞きしたいです。
I would like to ask something briefly.
お聞きしたいです
o kiki shi tai desu
would like to ask; would like to hear
Very polite way to say you want to ask something.
少しお聞きしたいです。
I’d like to ask something briefly.
Words in this phrase
お
o
[oh]
honorific prefix
Adds politeness to the verb that follows.
少しお聞きしたいですのでお願いします。
I would like to ask something briefly, so please help me.
聞き
kiki
[kee-kee]
hear; ask
From 聞く. In this phrase it politely means 'ask.'
少しお聞きしたいですがよろしいですか。
I would like to ask something briefly; would that be okay?
し
shi
[shee]
do
Part of the verb pattern that helps make the expression 'want to ask.'
少しお聞きしたいですことがあります。
There is something I would like to ask briefly.
たい
tai
[tie]
want to
Shows the speaker's wish to do the action.
少しお聞きしたいですが大丈夫ですか。
I would like to ask something briefly; is that okay?
です
desu
[dess]
is; polite sentence ending
Polite ending used in standard formal conversation.
少しお聞きしたいです。
I would like to ask something briefly.
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 speech recognition to perfect your accent
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Custom Scenarios
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation scenarios made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“Moved to Tokyo and the polite vs. casual speech levels were killing me. This app breaks it all down with real scenarios. My coworkers noticed the difference in weeks.”
Kevin Z., 31, Game Developer
“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