Polite to Superior
Workplace · Reporting
少しご相談したいことがあるのですが、お時間よろしいでしょうか。 — There's something I'd like to consult you about briefly. Do you have a moment? (Workplace · Reporting, Polite to Superior, JLPT N3)
You
少しご相談したいことがあるのですが、お時間よろしいでしょうか。
すこしごそうだんしたいことがあるのですが、おじかんよろしいでしょうか。
There's something I'd like to consult you about briefly. Do you have a moment?
Romaji: Sukoshi gosoudan shitai koto ga aru no desu ga, ojikan yoroshii deshou ka. / Reply Romaji: Hai, douzo. Dou shimashita ka?
Reply
はい、どうぞ。どうしましたか？
はい、どうぞ。どうしましたか？
Sure, go ahead. What's up?
Gesture & etiquette
Approach quietly, not in the middle of obvious focus work. Small 'shitsurei shimasu' (excuse me) before speaking. Maintain a calm, slightly low voice. If they're busy and ask for later timing, accept without disappointment.
Soudan' (consultation) is the third element of 'horenso' (報・連・相: report / inform / consult) — a core Japanese workplace practice. Asking before unloading the issue gives the superior control over timing. 'Sukoshi' (briefly) signals scope and prevents avoidance. Never ambush superiors with problems; always check availability first.