Question
I’m shopping at a small boutique in Shimokitazawa and I’ve found a jacket I love. I’d like to try it on before buying, but I’m not sure how to ask the staff politely. How do I say “May I try this on?” in Japanese?
Answer by Professional Japanese Teacher
試着（しちゃく）してもいいですか。
Shichaku shitemo ii desu ka.
May I try this on?
Trying clothes on at a Japanese boutique is much more fun once you know what to say at the door of the fitting room. You can use this phrase when you’ve picked something off the rack and want to ask the staff for permission before heading in. Shichaku means “trying on clothes”, and shitemo comes from shimasu (to do). The phrase ~temo ii desu ka? is how you politely ask if it’s okay to do something. A nice tip — hold the item up in one hand and make light eye contact with the staff as you ask. They’ll smile, count the pieces, and walk you straight to the fitting room.
