Question
I recently started working in a Japanese company and often attend meetings. I want to ask if I can join a meeting that I haven’t been explicitly invited to. How do I ask “Can I join the meeting?” in Japanese?
Japango Editor Team
会議（かいぎ）に参加（さんか）してもいいですか。
Kaigi ni sanka shitemo ii desuka?
Can I join the meeting?
In Japanese business culture, it is respectful to ask for permission before joining meetings you were not originally invited to.
The expression “Verb+temo ii desu ka?” is used to seek permission. In this case, the verb is “sanka suru” (to participate), and when conjugated to te-form, it becomes “sanka shitemo ii desuka?” (May I join?).
If you want to be more polite, you can say “もしよろしければ” (Moshi yoroshikereba) at the start of the sentence, which means “If it’s all right with you.”
For example: もしよろしければ、会議に参加してもいいですか?
Moshi yoroshikereba, kaigi ni sanka shitemo ii desuka?
If it’s all right with you, can I join the meeting?
This approach is more respectful and shows your consideration for others’ approval.
