Formal to Superior
Workplace · Reporting
You
ご相談させていただいてもよろしいでしょうか。
ごそうだんさせていただいてもよろしいでしょうか。
Would it be alright to consult with you about something?
Romaji: Go-sōdan sasete itadaite mo yoroshii deshō ka. / Reply Romaji: Mochiron, dōzo. Dō shimashita?
Reply
もちろん、どうぞ。どうしましたか？
もちろん、どうぞ。どうしましたか？
Of course, go ahead. What's the matter?
Gesture & etiquette
Approach quietly when the superior is between tasks. Stand at a respectful distance until acknowledged. Come prepared with a brief summary of the situation and your proposed options — never arrive empty-handed for a consult.
This phrase initiates the 'Sō' (consult) step of Hō-Ren-Sō. Consulting a superior before making a difficult decision shows respect and avoids unilateral mistakes. Bring your analysis and at least one proposed solution — Japanese managers prefer informed consultation over open-ended problems.