Japanese for Meetings: Offering a Suggestion Politely
Learn to say 'I have a suggestion' or 'Can I add something?' in formal Japanese meetings, respecting turn-taking and structured conversation.
By PookieFriends & plans · Yapr Learn
In formal Japanese meetings, contributing an idea requires more than just knowing the words. You need to signal that you have something to say, ask for permission to speak, and do so without disrupting the flow. This lesson teaches you set phrases to offer a suggestion or ask to add something, using polite language appropriate for business settings. You'll learn how to use 'teian ga arimasu' and 'tsuika shite mo yoroshii deshō ka' to navigate turn-taking smoothly.
By the end, you can…
- politely indicate that I have a suggestion in a meeting.
- ask for permission to add a comment or idea.
- use formal Japanese phrases to respect turn-taking.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
提案があります。
I have a suggestion.
Teian ga arimasu.
Use this to announce that you have a proposal. It's direct but polite, suitable for formal meetings. In very formal settings, you can soften it with '恐れ入りますが' (osoreirimasu ga) before the phrase.
一つ提案してもよろしいでしょうか。
May I make a suggestion?
Hitotsu teian shite mo yoroshii deshō ka.
This asks for permission to offer a suggestion. The 'yoroshii deshō ka' makes it very polite. Note that '一つ' (hitotsu) means 'one', emphasizing a single suggestion.
補足してもよろしいでしょうか。
May I add something?
Hosoku shite mo yoroshii deshō ka.
Use 'hosoku' when you want to add supplementary information or clarify something already discussed. It's a polite way to interject without seeming pushy.
意見を述べてもよろしいでしょうか。
May I state my opinion?
Iken o nobete mo yoroshii deshō ka.
This is for offering an opinion, not necessarily a suggestion. It's polite and formal. Use 'iken o nobemasu' when you want to state your view clearly.
お時間をいただいてもよろしいでしょうか。
May I have a moment of your time?
Ojikan o itadaite mo yoroshii deshō ka.
Use this to ask for a moment to speak, especially when the meeting is busy. 'お時間をいただく' (ojikan o itadaku) is a humble way to receive time.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The pattern '〜してもよろしいでしょうか' (〜shite mo yoroshii deshō ka) is a polite way to ask for permission to do something. It literally means 'Would it be acceptable if I do 〜?' For example, '提案してもよろしいでしょうか' (teian shite mo yoroshii deshō ka) means 'May I make a suggestion?' You can replace the verb with other actions like '質問する' (shitsumon suru) to ask a question, or '発言する' (hatsugen suru) to speak. This pattern is very formal and shows respect for the listener's authority. Note that the verb before 'しても' should be in the て-form (te-form), e.g., '提案して' (teian shite), '質問して' (shitsumon shite).
When to use it
Use these phrases when you want to contribute in a structured meeting where turn-taking is important. For instance, after the chairperson asks for opinions, you can raise your hand and say '提案があります' (teian ga arimasu) to signal you have a suggestion. If you want to add to what someone else said, say '補足してもよろしいでしょうか' (hosoku shite mo yoroshii deshō ka). Avoid using casual forms like '言っていい？' (itte ii?) in formal settings; they can seem too abrupt. Also, be mindful of hierarchy: in very formal situations, you might use '恐れ入りますが' (osoreirimasu ga) to preface your request.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
本日の議題について、何かご意見はありますか。
Does anyone have any opinions regarding today's agenda?Honjitsu no gidai ni tsuite, nanika goiken wa arimasu ka.はい、提案があります。
Yes, I have a suggestion.Hai, teian ga arimasu.どうぞ、お願いします。
Please go ahead.Dōzo, onegai shimasu.コスト削減のために、新しいシステムを導入してはいかがでしょうか。
How about introducing a new system to reduce costs?Kosuto sakugen no tame ni, atarashii shisutemu o dōnyū shite wa ikaga deshō ka.A little context goes a long way
In Japanese meetings, it's common to wait for the chairperson to invite opinions before speaking. Using humble and polite language (keigo) shows respect for the group and the hierarchy. Phrases like 'よろしいでしょうか' (yoroshii deshō ka) soften requests and are preferred over direct questions. Also, nodding and brief verbal acknowledgments like 'はい' (hai) while listening indicate you're engaged. However, customs can vary by company and context; observe your colleagues to gauge the appropriate level of formality.
One thing to watch for
Using casual forms like '提案がある' (teian ga aru) or '言ってもいい？' (itte mo ii?) in formal meetings.
Try this instead: Use polite forms: '提案があります' (teian ga arimasu) or '提案してもよろしいでしょうか' (teian shite mo yoroshii deshō ka). The casual forms can sound abrupt or disrespectful in a formal context.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you say 'I have a suggestion' in a formal meeting?
Show a sample answer
提案があります。 (Teian ga arimasu.)
This is a direct but polite way to announce a suggestion. It's appropriate for formal settings.
2What phrase would you use to ask 'May I add something?'
Show a sample answer
補足してもよろしいでしょうか。 (Hosoku shite mo yoroshii deshō ka.)
This asks for permission to add supplementary information. '補足' means 'supplement' or 'addition'.
3How do you politely ask for a moment to speak?
Show a sample answer
お時間をいただいてもよろしいでしょうか。 (Ojikan o itadaite mo yoroshii deshō ka.)
This is a very polite way to request time to speak, often used when the meeting is busy.
In formal Japanese meetings, use '〜してもよろしいでしょうか' to ask permission before contributing. This respects turn-taking and shows politeness.
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