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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 start talking to a landlord, coworker or neighbor before raising a problem. Opening with it, rather than launching straight into the complaint, comes across as considerate.

Phrase Breakdown

今、ちょっと

ima chotto

now, a little

今 (ima) means now and ちょっと (chotto) means 'a little'. Pause briefly after 'ima', then hit the small stop in 'chot-to'.

Example

今、ちょっと忙しいです。

I'm a little busy right 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?

いい (ii) means good or okay. Hold the long 'ii', then let 'ka' rise.

Example

ここに座ってもいいですか。

May I sit here?

Words in this phrase

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

[ka]

question particle

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

Example

行くか？

Shall we go?

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