Chinese phrase
能否占用您〜分钟? néng fǒu zhàn yòng nín 〜 fēn zhōng
Meaning
Could I take up ___ minutes of your time?
When to use it
A polite request for a set amount of someone's time. It often introduces a brief request or conversation, especially in formal or business settings.
Example dialogue
对不起打扰了,能否占用您两分钟? duì bù qǐ dá rǎo le néng fǒu zhàn yòng nín liǎng fēn zhōng
Sorry to bother you, could I take up two minutes of your time?
现在有点忙,可以五分钟后再打吗? xiàn zài yóu diǎn máng ké yǐ wǔ fēn zhōng hòu zài dǎ ma
I'm a little busy right now. Could I call back in five minutes?