〜でしょうか~ deshou ka

How it works

1. 

   When asking a shop assistant where something is, use 「でしょうか」 to soften your question.

2. 

   「ですか」 is already polite. Use 「でしょうか」 when you want your question to sound gentler.

3. 

   To ask for someone’s approval first, use 「いいでしょうか」 to politely ask permission.

4. 

   In the example about available seats, you ask a staff member whether a seat is free. Here, 「でしょうか」 softens the question.

5. 

   In the example about checking ingredients, 「いただける」 asks for help, and 「でしょうか」 makes the request gentler.

Example sentences

• 窓側まどがわmadogawaのno席せきsekiはわwa空いあいaiてteいるでしょうirudeshouか。ka。

  I wonder if there are any window seats available?

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In a conversation

• A
  すみません、この服ふくを試着しちゃくしたいのですが、試着室しちゃくしつはわどちらでしょうか。

  A: Excuse me, I'd like to try this clothing on. Where is the fitting room?

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• B
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Check yourself

1. Level 1 · Recognise

   Which sentence is correct?

   A一度スタッフの方に在庫確認をして、再入荷の予定を聞いていただけるでしょうか。B一度スタッフの方に在庫確認をして、再入荷の予定を聞いていただけますか。C一度スタッフの方に在庫確認をして、再入荷の予定を聞いてもらえますか。D一度スタッフの方に在庫確認をして、再入荷の予定を聞いてほしいです。

2. Level 1 · Recognise

   Listen and choose the meaning

   ACould you wrap this nicely as a gift and attach a ceremonial gift tag?BSince it's a present, could you put it in a box?CI'd like to give these as gifts, so could I have some extra paper bags?DSince it's for a celebration, could I choose the color of the wrapping?

3. Level 2 · Build

   Put the words in order

   Would it be possible to order this bag in a different size?

   は取り寄せができるのをこのバッグ別サイズか。でしょう
   Check

4. Level 3 · Use

   What goes in the blank?

   この近くにATMはある____。

   Is there an ATM near here?

   Show answer

More grammar in this theme

• 〜でしょうかgentle question or request

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