by Tomoyuki Higuchi
How do you say “Can I ask a question?” in Japanese?
Today’s phrase is :
Can I ask a question?
質問してもいいですか?
shitsumonshitemo iidesuka*
*We pronounce “iidesuka” like “īdesuka”.
- Can I …? = わたしは … してもいいですか?
- ask a question = 質問する shitsumon suru
We do not usually say “わたしは watashiwa (= I)” in everyday conversation.
わたしは 質問してもいいですか?
Can I ask a question?