Japanese phrase
___質問してもいいですか？ ___ shitsu mon shi te mo i i de su ka
Meaning
May I ask ___ a question?
When to use it
Politely asks permission to ask a question. It sounds gentle and is common with teachers, staff, and people who are not close.
Example dialogue
ちょっと質問してもいいですか？ cho tto shitsu mon shi te mo i i de su ka
Excuse me, may I ask a question?
はい、どうぞ。 ha i dō zo
Yes, go ahead.