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How to Say ‘May I ask you something?’ in Japanese

ちょっと聞いてもいいですか。

chotto kii te mo ii desu ka

[chotto KEE-ee teh moh EE dess kah]

💬 Usage Tip: Verb in the て form + もいいですか asks permission: 座ってもいいですか "May I sit?" Here ちょっと "a little" softens the request, making it sound like a small favor.

Phrase Breakdown

ちょっと

chotto

[chotto]

a little

Indicating a small quantity or amount.

Example

ちょっと待って。

Wait a little.

聞いてもいいですか。

kii te mo ii desu ka

May I ask?

'Kiite mo ii desu ka' means 'Is it okay if I ask?' The pattern 'verb-te mo ii desu ka' politely asks for permission.

Example

名前を聞いてもいいですか。

May I ask your name?

Words in this phrase

聞い

kii

[KEE-ee]

ask

Te-form stem of 聞く, which also means to ask a question.

Example

先生に聞いてみます。

I'll ask the teacher.

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

[moh]

also; too

A particle meaning also or too.

Example

電話番号もお願いします。

Your phone number too, please.

いい

[EE]

okay; sure; fine

Used to give permission or agree to a request.

Example

これ、使ってもいい？

Is it okay if I use this?

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

[kah]

question marker

Placed at the end of a sentence to make it a question.

Example

A席はありますか。

Are there A seats available?

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