Formal to Client
Workplace · Phone
You
今、少しよろしいでしょうか。ご都合いかがですか？
いま、すこしよろしいでしょうか。ごつごういかがですか？
Is now a good time? Do you have a moment?
Romaji: Ima, sukoshi yoroshii desho ka. Go-tsugou ikaga desu ka? / Reply Romaji: Hai, daijoubu desu. Dozo.
Reply
はい、大丈夫です。どうぞ。
はい、だいじょうぶです。どうぞ。
Yes, I am fine. Please go ahead.
Gesture & etiquette
On the phone, pause briefly after asking to allow them to respond. If in person, stand at a respectful distance and make eye contact rather than touching or hovering. If they signal they are busy, respond graciously: 'Jya, nochihodo oukagai shimasu' (Then I will come back later).
Always confirm availability before launching into a topic on a call — this is basic courtesy in Japanese business phone culture. If the other person is busy, offer to call back at a convenient time rather than making them interrupt their work. This phrase also works when approaching a colleague at their desk.