Question
I am traveling to Japan for a business meeting and want to be polite and respectful. How do I ask, “May I enter?” when knocking on the door of my colleague’s office in Japanese?
Japango Editor Team
入（はい）ってもいいですか。
Haitte mo iidesuka?
May I enter?
When visiting a colleague’s office in Japan, it’s important to be polite and show respect. The phrase “Haitte mo iidesuka?” is a respectful way to ask if you may enter a room or an office. The word “haitte” comes from the verb “hairu” (to enter), and when changed to the te-form with “mo iidesuka”, it becomes a polite request for permission.
Use this phrase coupled with a gentle knock at the door to create a good first impression and show your respect for your colleague’s space.
