"すみません、こちらの席は空いていますか？" — Excuse me, is this seat available? (Public

Formal — to staff

Public · Transport

You

すみません、こちらの席は空いていますか？

すみません、こちらのせきはあいていますか？

Excuse me, is this seat available?

Romaji: Sumimasen, kochira no seki wa aiteimasu ka? / Reply Romaji: Hai, dōzo. / Iie, tsure ga imasu.

はい、どうぞ。／いいえ、連れがいます。

はい、どうぞ。／いいえ、つれがいます。

Yes, please. / No, someone I'm with is sitting here.

Point to the seat in question while making eye contact.

Do not immediately assume a seat is empty and sit down if there are items on it or it looks reserved. Always ask politely.

#train#bus#seat#public transport#politeness#subway