Translation guide
A polite phrase used to soften requests, ask for permission, or express willingness. Japanese equivalents depend on the function: asking permission, making a polite request, or saying 'I don't mind'.
To ask if it's okay to do something, similar to 'Do you mind if...?'
A standard polite way to ask for permission. Attach to the te-form of a verb.
Do you mind if I sit here?
Do you mind if I open the window?
A more formal and polite version, literally 'Would it not bother you if...?'
Do you mind if I smoke?
Very polite and formal, often used in business or service situations.
Would you mind if I used your restroom?
To ask someone to do something politely, often with 'if you don't mind' as a softener.
A very polite request form. Literally 'Could I receive the favor of you doing...?'
Would you mind helping me a bit?
Would you mind writing your name here?
A polite but slightly less formal request. Suitable for friends or colleagues.
Would you mind passing the salt?
Another common polite request pattern, similar to 'Could you do...?'
Would you mind being quiet?
To say that something is okay with you, or that you have no objection.
Means 'I don't mind' or 'It's no problem'. Polite and common.
A: Do you mind if I sit here? B: Sure, I don't mind.
Casual and friendly way to say 'It's fine' or 'Go ahead'.
A: Mind if I open the window? B: I don't mind.
Same as かまいません but written with kanji, slightly more formal.
Any day is fine with me.
To make an offer or statement less direct, similar to 'if you'd like' or 'if it's okay with you'.
Do not translate 'if you don't mind' literally as もしあなたが気にしなければ. This sounds unnatural and is not used in Japanese. Use the patterns above depending on the situation.
～ていただけませんか is more polite than ～てくれませんか. Use the former with superiors or strangers, the latter with friends or equals.
If you don't mind, could you tell me your name?