24 Japanese Phrases for “Is This Seat Taken?” | Easy & Polite Expressions

Finding a seat in Japan and politely asking if it’s free can feel a bit tricky at first. But don’t worry—it’s easier than you think!

Whether you’re on a busy train, at a café, or in a classroom, knowing how to ask “Is this seat taken?” can help you connect smoothly with locals.

Japanese offers many ways to say this, ranging from casual to very polite, so you’ll be ready for any situation.

Mastering these phrases not only shows respect but also boosts your confidence when navigating social settings in Japan.

Plus, understanding the nuances of politeness and casual speech will make your conversations feel natural and friendly.

Ready to pull up a chair and dive into 24 practical Japanese phrases for “Is this seat taken?”? Let’s get started!

Getting Comfortable with Japanese Seating Phrases

Before jumping into specific phrases, it’s helpful to understand the basics of politeness in Japanese.

Most ways to ask if a seat is free involve polite question endings or simple words that show respect. This helps avoid any awkwardness when approaching strangers.

Start with polite phrases, then work your way to casual expressions as you get more comfortable.

Sometimes, using a great beginner phrasebook can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.

Practicing these phrases in real-life situations is the best way to internalize them.

Once you feel confident, you’ll find it easier to read social cues and respond naturally.

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. この席、空いてる？ (Kono seki, aiteru?) – koh-noh seh-kee, ah-ee-teh-roo?

This is a casual and straightforward way to ask if a seat is open.

“この席” (kono seki) means “this seat,” and “空いてる” (aiteru) is the casual present form of “to be vacant.” It’s like saying “Is this seat empty?”

Great for informal situations like with friends or peers.

It’s simple, direct, and friendly.

Related phrase: “ここ空いてる？” (Koko aiteru?) meaning “Is here free?” is similar and even shorter.

Use this phrase when you want to sound natural but still polite enough for casual settings.

2. ここ、いい？ (Koko, ii?) – koh-koh, ee?

This phrase literally means “Here, okay?”

It’s super casual and often used among friends or younger people.

Easy to remember because it’s just two words.

Be cautious: it’s not appropriate in formal or polite contexts.

Example: When entering a café with friends, you might say this to check if you can sit next to them.

Perfect for quick, informal checks in relaxed environments.

3. この席、いいですか？ (Kono seki, ii desu ka?) – koh-noh seh-kee, ee dess kah?

This is a polite way to ask “Is this seat okay?”

Adding “ですか” (desu ka) makes it respectful without being too formal.

Good for casual but polite situations, like in cafés or public waiting areas.

It sounds friendly and considerate.

Try pairing it with a gentle bow for extra politeness.

Great phrase for learners aiming for polite everyday interactions.

4. そこ、空いてますか？ (Soko, aitemasu ka?) – soh-koh, ah-ee-teh-mahss kah?

“そこ” (soko) means “there,” and “空いてますか” (aitemasu ka) is the polite form asking if it’s vacant.

This phrase is polite and perfect for formal or semi-formal situations.

It’s easy to use and shows good manners.

Avoid sounding too blunt by softening your tone.

Example: When in a business setting, this phrase fits perfectly.

Keep this one in your polite phrase arsenal.

5. ここ、使ってもいいですか？ (Koko, tsukatte mo ii desu ka?) – koh-koh, tsu-kaht-teh moh ee dess kah?

This phrase means “May I use this (seat)?”

“使ってもいい” (tsukatte mo ii) means “Is it okay to use?”

It’s polite and humble, great for respectful requests.

Use this when you want to sound considerate and avoid assuming the seat is free.

It’s a little longer but very effective.

Perfect in places like libraries, offices, or formal settings.

6. 席、空いてますか？ (Seki, aitemasu ka?) – seh-kee, ah-ee-teh-mahss kah?

This is a polite way to ask “Are there any seats available?”

It’s a bit more general and useful when entering a busy place.

Simple and direct, but polite enough for most casual and formal situations.

Doesn’t specify “this seat,” so it’s versatile.

Helpful when you want to find seating quickly without specifying a spot.

Try this one in restaurants or cafés.

7. ここ、いいですか？ (Koko, ii desu ka?) – koh-koh, ee dess kah?

Meaning “Is it okay here?” this phrase is polite yet still casual.

It’s perfect when you want to ask in a friendly but respectful way.

Short and sweet, easy to learn and use.

Avoid using it too casually with strangers in very formal settings.

Example: Great for public transport and casual meetups.

This phrase bridges casual and polite speech nicely.

8. 失礼ですが、この席は空いていますか？ (Shitsurei desu ga, kono seki wa aite imasu ka?) – shee-tsu-reh dess gah, koh-noh seh-kee wah ah-ee-teh ee-mahss kah?

This is a very polite and formal way to ask “Excuse me, but is this seat free?”

“失礼ですが” (shitsurei desu ga) means “Excuse me, but…” adding extra politeness.

Ideal for formal or professional environments.

It shows humility and respect before making the request.

Use this when you want to be very careful not to offend.

Perfect for meetings, seminars, or formal events.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. こちらの席はよろしいでしょうか？ (Kochira no seki wa yoroshii deshou ka?) – koh-chee-rah noh seh-kee wah yoh-roh-shee dess-hoh kah?

This phrase means “Would it be alright to take this seat?”

It’s very polite and formal, using “よろしいでしょうか” (yoroshii deshou ka) for a respectful question.

Perfect for upscale or business settings.

Sounds refined and shows great etiquette.

Sometimes used in restaurants, meetings, or formal gatherings.

Good to add to your formal vocabulary for special occasions.

10. お席をお借りしてもよろしいですか？ (Oseki o okari shite mo yoroshii desu ka?) – oh-seh-kee oh oh-kah-ree shee-teh moh yoh-roh-shee dess kah?

This phrase means “May I borrow this seat?”

It’s extremely polite, using honorific “お” (o) and humble form “お借りして” (okari shite).

Shows high respect, suitable for formal or traditional environments.

Great when you want to be extra courteous.

Often heard in cultural or traditional settings.

Use this to impress or show deep respect.

11. こちらの席を使わせていただけますか？ (Kochira no seki o tsukawasete itadakemasu ka?) – koh-chee-rah noh seh-kee oh tsu-kah-wah-seh-teh ee-tah-dah-keh-mahss kah?

This phrase means “May I be allowed to use this seat?”

It’s a humble and very polite expression, good for professional situations.

Using “いただけますか” (itadakemasu ka) shows humility.

Perfect for business meetings or formal visits.

It’s longer but displays excellent manners.

Great for learners wanting to sound respectful in work settings.

12. 恐れ入りますが、この席は空いていますか？ (Osore irimasu ga, kono seki wa aite imasu ka?) – oh-soh-reh ee-ree-mahss gah, koh-noh seh-kee wah ah-ee-teh ee-mahss kah?

This phrase translates as “Excuse me, but is this seat free?”

“恐れ入りますが” (osore irimasu ga) is a humble way to start a polite request.

Excellent for customer service or formal situations.

Shows respect and avoids sounding demanding.

Use it when approaching strangers or staff.

It’s a perfect phrase for polite inquiries in public.

13. お座りになってもよろしいですか？ (O-suwari ni natte mo yoroshii desu ka?) – oh-soo-wah-ree nee naht-teh moh yoh-roh-shee dess kah?

This means “May I take a seat?” using the honorific form “お座りになる.”

It’s very polite and formal.

Good for high-class settings or when speaking to elders.

It sounds respectful and refined.

Useful for travelers visiting upscale venues.

Practice this to stand out with polite manners.

14. 席をお譲りいただけますか？ (Seki o oyuzuri itadakemasu ka?) – seh-kee oh oh-yoo-zoo-ree ee-tah-dah-keh-mahss kah?

This phrase means “Could you kindly give me your seat?”

It’s very polite and humble, often used by elders or in respectful requests.

“お譲り” (oyuzuri) means “to hand over.”

Use it carefully, as it directly asks for a favor.

It’s common in Japanese culture to offer seats to elders.

Learning this shows cultural awareness and respect.

15. お席は空いておりますでしょうか？ (Oseki wa aite orimasu deshou ka?) – oh-seh-kee wah ah-ee-teh oh-ree-mahss dess-hoh kah?

This is a very polite and humble way to ask if a seat is free.

Uses humble verb “おります” (orimasu) and soft question ending “でしょうか.”

Great for formal or ceremonial occasions.

Sounds respectful and considerate.

Perfect when you want to make a good impression.

Use it when attending weddings, ceremonies, or official gatherings.

16. こちらの席をお使いになってもよろしいでしょうか？ (Kochira no seki o otsukai ni natte mo yoroshii deshou ka?) – koh-chee-rah noh seh-kee oh oh-tsu-kai nee naht-teh moh yoh-roh-shee dess-hoh kah?

This phrase means “Would it be alright if I use this seat?”

Uses honorific and humble forms making it very formal.

Excellent for professional or corporate settings.

Shows utmost respect and politeness.

Long but very effective for formal requests.

Practice this to sound polished in business Japan.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. あいてる？ (Aiteru?) – ah-ee-teh-roo?

This is a very casual way to ask “Is it free?”

Just one word, often used among close friends or young people.

Perfect for informal hangouts or relaxed spots.

Not suitable for strangers or formal occasions.

Easy to say and super quick.

Use this phrase only with people you know well.

18. そこ、いい？ (Soko, ii?) – soh-koh, ee?

Means “There, okay?”

Very casual and short, used among friends or peers.

Useful for casual seating requests.

Avoid using with strangers or elders.

Example: At a coffee shop with classmates.

Great for sounding very natural and native-like.

19. 席、空いてる？ (Seki, aiteru?) – seh-kee, ah-ee-teh-roo?

This is a casual way to ask if a seat is open.

Short and easy to remember, often used by younger people.

Good for busy, informal places.

Be mindful it might sound too casual for older adults.

Works well for quick, friendly checks.

Try this when you want to be informal but clear.

20. ここ、どう？ (Koko, dou?) – koh-koh, doh?

Means “How about here?” or “Is this okay?”

Very casual and friendly.

Great for informal gatherings.

Not polite enough for strangers or formal events.

Use with friends or peers comfortably.

Easy to say and sounds natural.

21. そこ空いてる？ (Soko aiteru?) – soh-koh ah-ee-teh-roo?

Another casual way to ask “Is that seat free?”

Short and commonly used among locals.

Good for informal, everyday conversations.

Remember to use polite forms in formal situations.

Perfect for quick questions while out and about.

Try this phrase to sound like a native.

22. ここ、使っていい？ (Koko, tsukatte ii?) – koh-koh, tsu-kah-teh ee?

This means “Can I use this?” in a casual way.

Short and easy to say among friends.

Not appropriate for formal or polite requests.

Great for informal hangouts or family gatherings.

Sounds natural and friendly.

Use to practice casual speech comfortably.

23. いい席ある？ (Ii seki aru?) – ee seh-kee ah-roo?

This phrase means “Are there any good seats?”

Casual and direct, great for informal inquiries.

Works well in cafés or casual restaurants.

Keep it casual with friends or staff you know well.

Good for quickly finding a spot.

Practice this to sound natural in everyday situations.

24. ここ空いてる？ (Koko aiteru?) – koh-koh ah-ee-teh-roo?

Simply means “Is this seat free?” in a casual tone.

Short and easy to say on the go.

Use with peers or younger people.

Avoid using in very formal situations.

Good for quick, friendly interactions.

Great phrase to keep handy for daily life in Japan.

Concluding Thought

Learning these 24 phrases for “Is this seat taken?” gives you a toolkit for many social situations in Japan.

From casual chats with friends to formal business meetings, you’ll be ready to ask politely and confidently.

Keep practicing, stay curious, and soon these expressions will feel like second nature as you enjoy your time in Japan!