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ちょっといい？ (chotto ii?) - Got a moment?

Grammar & Usage

fixed expression

casual

How it works

This is an informal interrogative expression used to ask for a brief moment of someone's time or attention. 「ちょっと (chotto)」 means "a little bit" or "for a moment," and 「いい (ii)」 means "good" or "okay." Combined, it literally asks "Is a little bit okay?" implying "Is it okay to bother you for a bit?" or "Do you have a moment?"

Sample sentences

ねえ、ちょっといい？話があるんだけど。

Hey, got a moment? I have something to talk about.

先生、ちょっといいですか？質問があります。

Teacher, may I have a moment? I have a question. (Context: often used by students to teachers, casual within that context)

ちょっといい？そこに座っても。

Is it okay if I sit there for a moment?

Quick facts

nuance:Can also be used to ask for permission for a small action, e.g., 'Is it okay if I sit here for a bit?'

politeness:Highly informal. Should only be used with close friends, family, or subordinates. Using it with superiors or strangers can be impolite. A more polite version would be 「今、少しお時間よろしいでしょうか？ (Ima, sukoshi ojikan yoroshii deshou ka?)」.

Often used with

ちょっと、これ見て (chotto, kore mite) - Hey, look at this.

ちょっと待って (chotto matte) - Wait a moment.

ちょっと難しい (chotto muzukashii) - A little difficult.

ちょっといいかな？ (chotto ii kana?) - Is it okay for a moment? (softer, more hesitant)

Mnemonic

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Example

ねえ、ちょっといい？話があるんだけど。

Hey, got a moment? I have something to talk about.

先生、ちょっといいですか？質問があります。

Teacher, may I have a moment? I have a question. (Context: often used by students to teachers, casual within that context)