Formal to Superior
Workplace · Reporting
差し出がましいようですが、一点ご提案させていただいてもよろしいでしょうか。 — I hope this isn't presumptuous, but may I make one suggestion? (Workplace · Reporting, Formal to Superior, JLPT N2)
You
差し出がましいようですが、一点ご提案させていただいてもよろしいでしょうか。
さしでがましいようですが、いってんごていあんさせていただいてもよろしいでしょうか。
I hope this isn't presumptuous, but may I make one suggestion?
Romaji: Sashidegamashii you desu ga, itten goteian sasete itadaite mo yoroshii deshou ka. / Reply Romaji: Mochiron, douzo.
Reply
もちろん、どうぞ。
もちろん、どうぞ。
Of course, please.
Gesture & etiquette
Approach the superior at an appropriate moment (not during busy work). Slight bow (15°), measured tone. Have your suggestion ready in 2-3 sentences. Maintain steady eye contact at end of bow.
Offering suggestions upward in Japanese hierarchy requires cushioning. '差し出がましい' (presumptuous) signals you know your place — paradoxically this is what gives you permission to suggest. Use '一点' (one point) to limit scope. Present the suggestion concisely, ideally with the problem AND your proposed solution together, so it's a constructive contribution.