In a Japanese meeting, joining the discussion politely matters as much as the idea itself. This workshop gives you short, safe phrases to signal that you want to speak, ask for permission, and respond when someone invites your opinion. You will hear native models, understand what each line does, and then practice both the speaker and listener roles. The recordings are your anchor: every native example comes from them, so you can imitate the rhythm and politeness level exactly. Work through the sections, then try the three tasks. You can play both roles aloud; no automatic scoring is provided, so use the answer keys to check yourself.
Signaling That You Have Something to Say
The simplest way to announce a suggestion is a short, direct sentence. «提案があります。» means "I have a suggestion." It is polite enough for many formal meetings, and it clearly tells the chair that you want the floor. If the meeting is very formal, you can add a softener before it, but the recorded line alone is already respectful. When the chair asks for opinions, you can combine a yes with this phrase. «はい、提案があります。» means "Yes, I have a suggestion." Notice how the speaker first agrees that they have something to contribute, then states it. This two-part reply is useful because it answers the question and signals your intention in one turn. Practice saying both lines with a calm, even tone. Listen to the model and use a comfortable speaking volume.
Asking Permission Before You Speak
Sometimes you want to add a point without seeming to interrupt. Three recorded lines give you polite permission requests. «一つ提案してもよろしいでしょうか。» means "May I make a suggestion?" The word for "one" appears before "suggestion," which gently frames your idea as a single, modest contribution. «補足してもよろしいでしょうか。» means "May I add something?" Use this when you are supplementing or clarifying what someone else said, not proposing a brand-new plan. «意見を述べてもよろしいでしょうか。» means "May I state my opinion?" This is for sharing your view rather than a formal proposal. All three end with a very polite question pattern, so they sound respectful even when the meeting is busy. After you ask, wait for a signal such as a nod or a short reply before you continue. The chair may simply say a phrase like «どうぞ、お願いします。», which means "Please go ahead." That is your cue to speak.
Following the Chair's Invitation
A common meeting flow starts with the chair opening the floor. «本日の議題について、何かご意見はありますか。» means "Does anyone have any opinions regarding today's agenda?" In this practice scene, the chair addresses the group; the same wording could address one person in another context. When you hear it, you can respond with «はい、提案があります。» to show you have a suggestion. The chair may then say «どうぞ、お願いします。», meaning "Please go ahead." After that, you can present your idea. A recorded example of a full suggestion is «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。», which means "How about introducing a new system to reduce costs?" This line uses a polite "how about" pattern to make a proposal sound like an invitation for discussion rather than a demand. In your own practice, keep the same structure: signal, wait for the go-ahead, then offer your point. This rhythm helps everyone follow the meeting and shows respect for turn-taking.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
提案があります。
I have a suggestion.
Teian ga arimasu.
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.
補足してもよろしいでしょうか。
May I add something?
Hosoku shite mo yoroshii deshō ka.
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.
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
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?はい、提案があります。
Yes, I have a suggestion.どうぞ、お願いします。
Please go ahead.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?Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided Exchange: Ask and Receive Permission
Imagine you are in a meeting. The chair has just opened the floor. You want to offer one suggestion, and the chair will invite you to continue.
Your task: Practice an alternative opening: as the participant, ask «一つ提案してもよろしいでしょうか。». As the chair, reply «どうぞ、お願いします。». As the participant, give the taught proposal «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。». Replay and repeat these three lines in order.
Reply Comprehension: Choose the Right Permission Line
You hear a colleague finish a detailed explanation about the budget. You want to add a small piece of information, not a new proposal. Later, you want to share your own view on the topic.
Your task: For the first situation, choose the best recorded line: «一つ提案してもよろしいでしょうか。», «補足してもよろしいでしょうか。», or «意見を述べてもよろしいでしょうか。». For the second situation, choose the best recorded line from the same three. Say your chosen line aloud each time, then say the English meaning in your own words.
Recall with Correct Roles: Chair and Participant
Work with a partner or play both roles yourself. One person is the chair, and the other is a participant who has a suggestion about reducing costs.
Your task: The chair begins with «本日の議題について、何かご意見はありますか。». The participant replies with «はい、提案があります。». The chair says «どうぞ、お願いします。». The participant then presents the suggestion using «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。». After the first round, switch roles and repeat. Keep the same order and do not add new lines.
Common questions
What is the difference between «一つ提案してもよろしいでしょうか。», «補足してもよろしいでしょうか。», and «意見を述べてもよろしいでしょうか。»?
«一つ提案してもよろしいでしょうか。» asks permission to make a suggestion, so it fits a new idea or proposal. «補足してもよろしいでしょうか。» asks permission to add something, which is useful for extra information or clarification. «意見を述べてもよろしいでしょうか。» asks permission to state an opinion, so it fits sharing your view rather than proposing a plan. Choose based on what you want to contribute.
When should I use «提案があります。» instead of «一つ提案してもよろしいでしょうか。»?
«提案があります。» is a short, direct way to announce that you have a suggestion. It works well when the chair has already invited opinions and you simply want to signal your intention. «一つ提案してもよろしいでしょうか。» is more polite and asks for permission first, so it is safer when the meeting is formal or when you are not sure it is your turn.
Sources and further reading
- japanese: participate in meetingChecked September 2026
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