expression
if it's alright; if you don't mind; if it's convenient
Polite conditional phrase used to soften a request or question. Literally 'if there is no hindrance'. Often used before asking a personal question or making a request.
See also: 差し支え (さしつかえ)
差し支えなければ、お名前を教えていただけますか。
If you don't mind, could you tell me your name?
差し支えなければ、明日までにご返事をいただけますか。
If it's convenient, could you give me a reply by tomorrow?
The verb form meaning 'to interfere' or 'to be hindered'. 差し支えなければ is the negative conditional form of this verb, used as a set phrase.
A more common and slightly less formal alternative meaning 'if it's good/all right'. 差し支えなければ is more polite and emphasizes the absence of inconvenience.
Negative conditional form of the verb 差し支える (to interfere, to be hindered). The phrase literally means 'if it does not interfere' and became a fixed polite expression.