質問があります
shitsumon ga arimasu[ɕi̥t͡sɨmo̞ŋ ɡa̠ a̠ɾʲima̠sɨ̥]
The English phrase "I have a question for you" is expressed in Japanese as 質問があります (shitsumon ga arimasu).
This phrase is used to announce that you have a question before actually asking it.
What does it mean word for word?
The core of the phrase is 質問 (shitsumon), which means "question".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form 質問があります is polite and suitable for use with teachers, bosses or strangers. For even more formal situations, you can use すみませんが、お聞きしたいことがあります。 or お尋ねしたいことがございます。 In informal settings, such as with friends or family, you can use ちょっと聞きたいことがあるんだけど, 質問があるんだけど、いい？ or the dictionary form 質問がある.
How do you pronounce it?
shitsumon ga arimasu
Did you know?
- While 質問 means 'question', Japanese speakers often avoid using it in social settings because it can sound like an interrogation. They instead use the verb 聞く (kiku), which means 'to listen' or 'to ask'.
- If you want to ask a question without being intrusive, you might say 'chotto yoroshii desu ka?' which means 'is a little bit okay?' This phrase functions as a social buffer to ensure the other person is not too busy to be interrupted.
- In highly formal business settings, Japanese people may avoid saying they have a 'question' entirely. Instead, they use phrases like 確認したいことがございます, which means 'there is something I wish to confirm'.
Examples in context
- 先生、質問があります。Sensei, shitsumon ga arimasu.Teacher, I have a question.
- ちょっと質問があります。Chotto shitsumon ga arimasu.I have a quick question.
- 田中さんに質問があります。Tanaka-san ni shitsumon ga arimasu.I have a question for Mr. Tanaka.
Example conversation
Yui is talking to Hiroto at the office.
- 結衣 Yui大翔さん、ちょっと質問があります。Hiroto-san, chotto shitsumon ga arimasu.Hiroto, I have a question for you.
- 大翔 Hirotoはい、何でしょうか？hai, nan deshou ka?Yes, what is it?
- 結衣 Yuiこの書類はどうすればいいですか？kono shorui wa dou sureba ii desu ka?What should I do with this document?
- 大翔 Hirotoそれは私に預けてください。sore wa watashi ni azukete kudasai.Please leave that with me.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 質問があります, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
