Today’s post is all about how to approach people.. how to start a conversation with someone you might not know too well… in Japanese. On a daily basis, you might meet new people as well as old friends whom you have not seen for many years. For today’s article, I have put together some useful expressions you can use when you want to approach someone, to start a conversation, or to ask their contact information.

 

Asking a person’s name…

失礼ですが（しつれいですが。。）(Excuse me…)

shitsureidesuga…

Example:

Excuse  me, do you mind if I ask your name?

Shitsureidesuga, onamae o oshiete itadakemasuka?

失礼ですが、お名前を教えていただけますか？

or

Shitsureidesuga, onamae kiitemo yoroshiidesuka?

失礼ですが、お名前聞いてもよろしいですか？

 

Asking for his/her contact info from someone you just met…

 

差し支えなければ（さしつかえなければ） ( If it is ok with you~ )

sashitsukae nakereba

Example:

If it is ok with you, can you tell me your email address?

Sashitsukae nakereba meiru adoresu o oshiete itadakemasenka?

差し支えなければ、メールアドレスを教えていただけませんか？

 

You could also ask by using…..  Moshi yokattara…

 

もしよかったら　( If it is ok with you~ )

If it is ok with you, can you tell me your number?

Moshiyokattara, denwabango oshietemorattemo iidesuka?

もしよかったら、電話番号教えてもらってもいいですか？

 

There is also a similar way of asking by using… Moshi yokereba….

If it is ok with you, can you show me the way?

Moshiyokereba, annaishite itadakemasuka?

もしよければ、案内していただけますか？

 

 

Starting a conversation with someone you have not seen for a while…

お久しぶりですね。（おひさしぶりですね。）(Long time no see..)

Ohisashiburi desune.

Example:

Long time no see, how have you been?

Ohisashiburi desu, ogenki deshitaka?

お久しぶりです、お元気でしたか？

or the one below is more friendly way of asking….

Ohisashiburi, genki datta? or Ohisashiburi do-shiteta?

お久しぶり、元気だった？　お久しぶり、どうしてた？

 

The above expressions are most commonly used expressions and that it will come in handy when you need to approach someone or start a conversation. Remember when it comes to communicating with someone, it is always good to be polite and use polite expressions.