Formal — to staff
Train · Etiquette
すみません、少し座席を戻していただけますか？少し窮屈で… — Excuse me, could you please return your seat a little? It's a bit cramped for me... (Train · Etiquette, Formal — to staff, JLPT N3)
You
すみません、少し座席を戻していただけますか？少し窮屈で…
すみません、すこしざせきをもどしていただけますか？すこしきゅうくつで…
Excuse me, could you please return your seat a little? It's a bit cramped for me...
Romaji: Sumimasen, sukoshi zaseki o modoshite itadakemasu ka? Sukoshi kyūkutsu de... / Reply Romaji: Ā, sumimasen. Kizukimasen deshita.
Reply
ああ、すみません。気づきませんでした。
ああ、すみません。きづきませんでした。
Oh, I apologize. I didn't notice.
Gesture & etiquette
A slight bow or nod, perhaps a gentle hand gesture towards the seat in front (without touching).
A very polite tone and a slight bow are generally appreciated. It is usually better to avoid touching the other person's seat or person directly, and to avoid sounding demanding.
#train#shinkansen#seat#recline#etiquette#manners#polite request