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How to Say ‘Do you have a moment now?’ in Japanese

今ちょっといいですか。

ima chotto ii desu ka

[ima chotto EE dess ka]

🇯🇵 In Japan: This is the standard polite way to interrupt a colleague at their desk before raising a work topic; it signals you know they're busy.

Phrase Breakdown

今ちょっと

ima chotto

now, for a moment

Ima chotto. Pause briefly at the small っ in 'chotto'.

Example

今ちょっと忙しいです。

I'm a bit busy now.

Words in this phrase

今

ima

[ima]

now

At the present moment.

Example

今、始まります。

Now, it begins.

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.

いいですか。

ii desu ka

is it okay?

Ii desu ka. Hold the long 'ii' and raise your pitch on か.

Example

入ってもいいですか。

May I come in?

Words in this phrase

いい

[EE]

okay; all right (to interrupt)

Here いい means 'is it okay/convenient', used to ask for someone's time.

Example

この席、いいですか。

Is this seat okay (to take)?

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

[ka]

question particle

Used to create a yes/no question in informal speech.

Example

行くか？

Shall we go?

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