Translation guide
How to interject or interrupt in Japanese, including polite and casual ways to cut in, add a comment, or express surprise.
Politely or casually cutting into a conversation to add a comment or ask a question.
A polite way to interject, similar to 'Excuse me' in English. Can be used in most situations.
Inserting a brief comment or remark into an ongoing conversation.
Literally 'just one word', used to add a quick comment. Can be polite or casual depending on tone.
ちょっと一言言わせてください。
Let me just say one thing.
Expressing sudden surprise, realization, or emotion by interjecting a word or sound.
A common interjection for surprise or sudden realization, like 'Oh!' or 'Ah!'.
The English verb 'interject' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Instead, use set phrases or interjections depending on the situation. Translating 'interject' directly as a verb often sounds unnatural.
In formal settings, use すみません or 失礼します to interject. In casual conversations, あのう or ちょっといい？ are more natural. Using the wrong level of politeness can sound rude or overly stiff.
すみません、質問してもいいですか。
Excuse me, may I ask a question?
ちょっといい？質問があるんだけど。
Hey, can I ask a question?
彼は会議中に口を挟んだ。
He interjected a comment during the meeting.
彼女は質問を挟んだ。
She interjected with a question.
口を挟みたかったが、黙っていた。
I wanted to interject, but I stayed quiet.
すみません、ちょっといいですか。
Excuse me, may I say something?
A more formal way to interject, often used in business or when entering a room. Literally 'I'm being rude'.
失礼します、少しお時間よろしいでしょうか。
Excuse me, do you have a moment?
A hesitation sound used to interject or get someone's attention, similar to 'Um' or 'Uh' in English. Casual but polite.
あのう、ちょっと聞きたいことがあるんですが。
Um, I have something I'd like to ask.
Very casual way to interject among friends, meaning 'Can I say something?' or 'Got a sec?'
ちょっといい？話があるんだけど。
Hey, can I talk to you for a sec?
Literally 'to insert one's mouth', meaning to interject or cut in. Often used when someone interrupts.
彼はいつも会話に口を挟む。
He always interjects in conversations.
Means 'to cut in' or 'to interrupt', but can sound a bit strong or negative. Often used for physical cutting in line as well.
話に割り込まないでください。
Please don't interrupt the conversation.
あっ、忘れた！
Oh, I forgot!
An interjection of surprise or disbelief, like 'Huh?' or 'What?'.
えっ、本当？
What, really?
An interjection expressing disbelief, like 'No way!' or 'It can't be!'.
まさか、そんなことがあるなんて。
No way, I can't believe that happened.