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.
ここに座ってもいいですか。
Do you mind if I sit here?
窓を開けてもいいですか。
Do you mind if I open the window?
A more formal and polite version, literally 'Would it not bother you if...?'
タバコを吸ってもかまいませんか。
Do you mind if I smoke?
Very polite and formal, often used in business or service situations.
お手洗いをお借りしてもよろしいですか。
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...?'
ちょっと手伝っていただけませんか。
Would you mind helping me a bit?
ここに名前を書いていただけませんか。
Would you mind writing your name here?
A polite but slightly less formal request. Suitable for friends or colleagues.
塩を取ってくれませんか。
Would you mind passing the salt?
Another common polite request pattern, similar to 'Could you do...?'
静かにしてもらえますか。
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: ここに座ってもいいですか。 B: ええ、かまいませんよ。
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: 窓を開けてもいい？ B: いいよ。
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.
どの日でも構いません。
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'.
Literally 'if it's good', used to offer something politely. 'If you don't mind' or 'If you'd like'.
よかったら、一緒に来ませんか。
If you don't mind, would you like to come with us?
よかったら、これを使ってください。
If you don't mind, please use this.
Very formal, 'if it's not an inconvenience'. Used in business or formal situations.
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?
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.