Question
7 Jan 2016
- Japanese
-
English (US)
Question about English (US)
Can I disturb you? does this sound natural?
Can I disturb you? does this sound natural?
When I want to speak to my colleague who looks busy doing their work.
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- English (US)
Natural
Although for the most part natural, it's very formal sounding. "Do you have a moment?" Is probably a better thing to say here
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- English (US)
- English (US)
Unnatural
Better to say: Could I bother you for a moment?
- Japanese
- Japanese
@david513 Is it also natural to say "Can I bother you?"?
Does that sound more casual?
Does that sound more casual?
- English (US)
Unnatural
I think you have to add something about bothering only for a small amount of time. For example, "Can I bother you for a sec?" (sec is short for second; you can say either but sec is very very casual) If you use "can" instead of "could" it is more casual, yes, you are correct.
- Japanese
@david513 Thanks for your detailed answer.
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