How to Say ‘Do you have a moment?’ in Japanese
ちょっといいですか。
chotto ii desu ka
[CHOHT-toh ee-ee dess ka]
🇯🇵 In Japan: This is the natural way to catch a staff member's attention before asking something. It's softer than launching straight into your question, and it gives them a beat to turn to you.
Phrase Breakdown
ちょっと
chotto
[CHOHT-toh]
excuse me; a moment
Softens a request; here used to get someone's attention, like 'do you have a moment?'
ちょっと待ってください。
Please wait a moment.
いい
ii
[ee-ee]
good; nice
A common adjective used to show approval or a positive impression.
その考えはいいですね。
That idea is nice.
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
[ka]
question particle
Used to create a yes/no question in informal speech.
行くか？
Shall we go?
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