Asking a coworker for help (without sounding helpless)
By the end you'll ask a colleague for a quick favour or a few minutes of their time.
- 1
ちょっといいですか？
chotto ii desu ka?
Soft 'got a minute?' to flag a quick question.
Use when interrupting a colleague briefly
今、ちょっといいですか？
ima, chotto ii desu ka?
Got a sec right now?
- 2
聞いてもいいですか？
kiite mo ii desu ka?
Polite 'can I ask you something?'
Use when raising a small question with a senior colleague
ちょっと聞いてもいいですか？
chotto kiite mo ii desu ka?
Can I ask you a quick thing?
- 3
手伝ってもらえますか？
tetsudatte moraemasu ka?
Polite 'could you help me?' for bigger requests.
Use when asking a colleague for actual assistance
これ、手伝ってもらえますか？
kore, tetsudatte moraemasu ka?
Could you help me with this?
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