👤🈯⏱️❓

How to Say ‘Tanaka-san, do you have a moment?’ in Japanese

田中さん、今ちょっといいですか。

tanaka san ima chotto ii desu ka

[tah-NAH-kah sahn ima chotto EE dess ka]

💬 Usage Tip: ちょっと (chotto) literally means "a little", so this is really "is now a little okay?". Swap in other times: 明日ちょっといいですか "is tomorrow okay for a bit?".

Phrase Breakdown

田中さん、

tanaka san

Mr./Ms. Tanaka

Tanaka-san. さん is a polite suffix for names. Pause at the comma.

Example

田中さん、おはようございます。

Good morning, Mr. Tanaka.

Words in this phrase

田中

tanaka

[tah-NAH-kah]

Tanaka (surname)

A very common Japanese family name.

Example

田中さんは会社員です。

Mr. Tanaka is an office worker.

さん

san

[sahn]

Mr.; Ms. (polite name suffix)

Polite suffix added after someone's name; never used for yourself.

Example

田中さんはやさしいです。

Mr. Tanaka is kind.

今ちょっと

ima chotto

now, for a moment

Ima chotto. ちょっと softens the request.

Example

今ちょっと待ってください。

Please wait a moment 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. This is a polite way to ask for permission.

Example

これでいいですか。

Is this okay?

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

明日、いいですか。

Is tomorrow okay?

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?

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 feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”

Mia S., 25, English Teacher

“I hop cities every few months and this is the only app that actually prepares me for living somewhere, not just visiting. Tokyo was the real test — passed with flying colors.”

James O., 28, Remote Worker

“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