少し相談させていただけますか？ — Could I consult with you about something for a moment? (Workplace · Reporting, Formal to Superior, JLPT N4)

Gesture & etiquette

Approach at a natural pause in their work — not while they're mid-task or on a call; stand at a respectful distance; once invited to speak, present the issue clearly with background first, then your question.

This is the '相談 (sō)' in Japan's Ho-Ren-So system — bringing uncertainties or problems to a superior before they escalate. Adding a time estimate ('5分ほどよろしいですか？', around 5 minutes okay?) makes the request easy to grant. Never sit on a problem; proactive consultation is viewed as competence, not weakness.