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How to Say ‘Excuse me, is this where I do the paperwork for moving?’ in Japanese

すみません、引っ越しの手続きはここですか。

sumi mase n hikkoshi no tetsuzuki wa koko desu ka

[sumi mah-SEH n hik-KOH-shee no teh-TSOO-zoo-kee wah koh-KOH dess ka]

💬 Usage Tip: The は after 手続き is said (wa), not (ha). The pattern "X はここですか" works for any counter: 受付はここですか "is reception here?"

Phrase Breakdown

すみません、

sumi mase n

Excuse me,

This is a polite way to get someone's attention. Say it 'sumimasen', with a light 'su'.

Example

すみません、駅はどこですか。

Excuse me, where is the station?

Words in this phrase

すみ

sumi

[sumi]

sumimasen

An expression used to apologize or thank someone.

Example

すみません、道を教えてください。

Excuse me, please tell me the way.

ませ

mase

[mah-SEH]

polite verb form (here part of 'sumimasen')

The polite auxiliary 'masu' in its stem form 'mase', followed by 'n' to make it negative. Together with 'sumi' it forms 'sumimasen', meaning 'excuse me'.

Example

まだ決まっていません。

It hasn't been decided yet.

ん

[n]

(negative ending)

Contracted form of the polite negative ending, as in ありません.

Example

今日は時間がありません。

I don't have time today.

引っ越しの手続きは

hikkoshi no tetsuzuki wa

the moving procedure (topic)

This part is the topic of the question. The particle は is pronounced 'wa' here.

Example

引っ越しの手続きは何が必要ですか。

What is needed for the moving procedure?

Words in this phrase

引っ越し

hikkoshi

[hik-KOH-shee]

moving (house)

Noun for relocating to a new home.

Example

来週引っ越しをします。

I am moving next week.

の

[no]

's; of

A particle that shows possession or connection between nouns.

Example

知り合いの会社に興味があります。

I am interested in an acquaintance's company.

手続き

tetsuzuki

[teh-TSOO-zoo-kee]

procedure; paperwork

Official process or formalities, often at government offices.

Example

手続きは簡単です。

The procedure is easy.

は

[wah]

topic marker; as for

Marks 'today' as the topic. Written は but pronounced 'wa.'

Example

本日はお時間をいただき、ありがとうございます。

Thank you for giving me your time today.

ここですか。

koko desu ka

is it here?

This polite question asks whether the place is here. Raise your voice slightly at the end.

Example

トイレはここですか。

Is the restroom here?

Words in this phrase

ここ

koko

[koh-KOH]

here

Refers to the place near the speaker.

Example

ここに座ってください。

Please sit here.

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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