Formal — to stranger
Train · Subway
You
すみません、ここ座っても大丈夫ですか？優先席ですよね。
すみません、ここすわってもだいじょうぶですか？ゆうせんせきですよね。
Excuse me, is it okay to sit here? It's a priority seat, right?
Romaji: Sumimasen, koko suwatte mo daijōbu desu ka? Yūsen-seki desu yo ne. / Reply Romaji: Ee, ima wa aiteru kara daijōbu desu yo. Demo, otoshiyori ya karada no fujiyū na kata ga kitara yuzutte agete kudasai ne.
Reply
ええ、今は空いてるから大丈夫ですよ。でも、お年寄りや体の不自由な方が来たら譲ってあげてくださいね。
ええ、いまはあいてるからだいじょうぶですよ。でも、おとしよりやからだのふじゆうなかたがきたらゆずってあげてくださいね。
Yes, it's fine since it's empty now. But please give up your seat if an elderly person or someone with a disability comes.
Gesture & etiquette
Point to the priority seat. Look humble and apologetic for potentially encroaching.
Priority seats are for the elderly, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and those with infants. It is generally considered impolite to sit there unless no one else is in need, and you should always be prepared to give up your seat.