🙏🪑❓

How to Say ‘Excuse me, is this seat free?’ in Japanese

すみません、ここ、空いてますか？

sumi mase n koko ai te masu ka

[sue-mee mah-SEH n koh-koh AH-ee teh mahs kah]

🇯🇵 In Japan: At a crowded sports bar or public viewing, people quietly check before taking an empty seat, since it may be saved with a bag or jacket. Opening with すみません is the polite way to get a stranger's attention.

Phrase Breakdown

すみません、

sumi mase n

Excuse me,

This polite opener gets someone's attention before you ask a question. Pause briefly after it.

Example

すみません、ちょっといいですか？

Excuse me, do you have a moment?

Words in this phrase

すみ

sumi

[sue-mee]

excuse

A stem used in polite expressions like apologies or getting someone's attention.

Example

すみません、コンサートのチケットについて聞きたいです。

Excuse me, I would like to ask about the concert tickets.

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.

ここ、空いてますか？

koko ai te masu ka

is this seat free?

ここ (koko) means 'here' and 空いてますか (aitemasu ka) means 'is it empty?'. Use rising intonation at the end.

Example

この席、空いてますか？

Is this seat free?

Words in this phrase

ここ

koko

[koh-koh]

here

ここ means "here," the place where the speaker is.

Example

ここで待ってください。

Please wait here.

空い

[AH-ee]

be free; be vacant

Stem of 空く, meaning a seat or space becomes empty or available.

Example

この席は空いていますか。

Is this seat free?

て

[teh]

and; -te form

A linking form used to connect verbs to following grammar, such as progressive or polite forms.

Example

仕事を探している人と話しました。

I spoke with a person who is looking for work.

ます

masu

[mahs]

polite verb ending

A standard polite ending added to verbs, often used in customer service and formal speech.

Example

予約を確認します。

I will confirm the reservation.

か

[kah]

question marker

Placed at the end of a sentence to make it a question.

Example

A席はありますか。

Are there A seats available?

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