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

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Lesson notes · ≈ JLPT N4 · Intermediate 1

〜でしょうか~ deshou ka

gentle question or request

Use 「〜でしょうか」 to make a question gentler or to politely ask permission or help.

How it works

When asking a shop assistant where something is, use 「でしょうか」 to soften your question.
「ですか」 is already polite. Use 「でしょうか」 when you want your question to sound gentler.
To ask for someone’s approval first, use 「いいでしょうか」 to politely ask permission.
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.
In the example about checking ingredients, 「いただける」 asks for help, and 「でしょうか」 makes the request gentler.

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?

アレルギーあれるぎーarerugiiがgaあるaruのnoで、de、材料ざいりょうzairyouをo確認かくにんkakuninしshiてteいただけるでしょうitadakerudeshouか。ka。

I have allergies, so could you please check the ingredients for me?

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?
B
あちらの奥おくにございます。型かた違いちがいの同じおなじデザインでざいんの服ふくも試着しちゃくされますか。
B: It's right over there in the back. Would you also like to try on the same design in a different style?
A
はい、サイズさいず違いちがいも一緒いっしょに試着しちゃくしてもいいでしょうか。
A: Yes, could I try on a different size together with it as well?

Level 1 · Recognise
Which sentence is correct?
Level 1 · Recognise
Listen and choose the meaning
Level 2 · Build
Put the words in order
Would it be possible to order this bag in a different size?
Level 3 · Use
What goes in the blank?
この近くにATMはある____。
Is there an ATM near here?