Which one should you use?
While 電話番号を教えてもらえますか？ is a polite way to ask about the possibility of receiving a number, you can change the ending to 電話番号を教えてください to make the phrase a more direct request or command meaning "Please tell me your phone number".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase 電話番号を教えてもらえますか？ is a polite way to ask for a number. For a more formal version, you can use 電話番号を教えていただけますか。 In professional or business settings, it is better to use the term 連絡先 (contact information) instead of 電話番号 (phone number), such as in the phrase ご連絡先を教えていただけますか。 or 連絡先を教えていただけますか？ Conversely, among friends, you can use a very casual and blunt form by dropping particles and polite endings, such as 番号教えて！
How do you pronounce it?
Denwa bangō o oshiete moraemasu ka?
Did you know?
- In Japan, instead of asking for a phone number, it is often more natural to ask for a person's LINE account. Because almost all social communication happens through this specific app, asking for a 'number' can actually feel slightly old-fashioned or overly formal.
- If someone is hesitant to give their number, they might use the vague word ちょっと (chotto), which literally means 'a little'. In this context, it serves as a polite but firm 'no'.
- The verb 教える (oshieru) means 'to teach' or 'to instruct'. Using it to ask for a phone number sounds as if you are asking the person to 'teach' you the digits, which is a common linguistic quirk in Japanese.
Examples in context
- すごい楽しかった！また遊びたいから、電話番号を教えていただけますか？I had so much fun! I'd love to hang out again. Can I have your phone number?
- 電話番号を教えてもらえますか？denwa bangou o oshiete moraemasu ka?Can I have your phone number?
- もしよろしければ、電話番号を教えてもらえますか？moshi yoroshikereba, denwa bangou o oshiete moraemasu ka?If it is alright with you, could you give me your phone number?
- 後で連絡したいので、電話番号を教えてもらえますか？ato de renraku shitai node, denwa bangou o oshiete moraemasu ka?I want to contact you later, so can I have your number?
Example conversation
A woman meets a man at a social gathering and wants to stay in touch.
- 陽葵 Himariもっとお話ししたいので、電話番号を教えてもらえますか？motto ohanashi shitai node, denwa bangou o oshiete moraemasu ka?I want to talk with you more, so can I have your number?
- 大翔 Hirotoはい、もちろんです。hai, mochiron desu.Yes, of course.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとうございます、大翔さん。arigatou gozaimasu, Hiroto-san.Thank you, Hiroto.
- 大翔 Hirotoこちらこそ、よろしくお願いします。kochira koso, yoroshiku onegaishimasu.The pleasure is mine.
