How to Say ‘Do you have a moment?’ in Japanese
ちょっといいですか。
chotto ii desu ka
[chotto ee dess kah]
💬 Usage Tip: Word for word this is "is it a little okay?" — いい means "good" or "okay". Japanese often leaves out what's being asked about, and the listener fills in "your time".
Phrase Breakdown
ちょっと
chotto
[chotto]
a little
Indicating a small quantity or amount.
ちょっと待って。
Wait a little.
いいですか。
ii desu ka
is it okay?
いい means 'good/okay', and ですか makes it a polite question. Say いい as a long 'ii'.
ここに座ってもいいですか。
May I sit here?
Words in this phrase
いい
ii
[ee]
good; okay
いい expresses approval/choice: “This is fine.” Useful when accepting a recommendation.
これがいいです。
This one is fine.
です
desu
[dess]
is; polite copula
A polite sentence ending used in formal conversation.
少し伺いたいです。
I would like to ask a little.
か
ka
[kah]
question marker
Placed at the end of a sentence to make it a question.
A席はありますか。
Are there A seats available?
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