Formal — to stranger
Public · Transport
すみません、お隣、お荷物でしょうか？ — Excuse me, is the seat next to you taken by your luggage? (lit. 'Excuse me, next to you, is it luggage?') (Public · Transport, Formal — to stranger, JLPT N3)
You
すみません、お隣、お荷物でしょうか？
すみません、おとなり、おにもつでしょうか？
Excuse me, is the seat next to you taken by your luggage? (lit. 'Excuse me, next to you, is it luggage?')
Romaji: Sumimasen, otonari, onimotsu deshou ka? / Reply Romaji: A, sumimasen. Douzo.
Reply
あ、すみません。どうぞ。
あ、すみません。どうぞ。
Oh, excuse me. Please go ahead.
Gesture & etiquette
Gently gesture towards the seat with the luggage.
Always be polite and indirect. Avoid directly asking 'is this seat free?' if luggage is present, as it can sound accusatory. This indirect phrasing is common and polite.
#train#bus#seat#etiquette#crowded#luggage