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How to Say ‘Um, may I ask you something?’ in Japanese

あの、ちょっと聞いてもいいですか。

ano chotto kii te mo ii desu ka

[AH-noh chotto KEE-ee teh moh EE dess kah]

Phrase Breakdown

あの、ちょっと

ano chotto

Um, just a moment / a little

'Ano' is a polite hesitation word used to get someone's attention. 'Chotto' softens the request. Note the double 't' in chotto.

Example

あの、ちょっといいですか。

Um, do you have a moment?

Words in this phrase

あの

ano

[AH-noh]

um; excuse me

Hesitation word used to get attention politely before asking something.

Example

あの、すみません。

Um, excuse me.

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?

A polite request for permission: 'kiite' (ask) plus 'mo ii desu ka' (is it okay).

Example

一つ聞いてもいいですか。

May I ask one thing?

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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