How to Say “Can I have a word with you?” in Chinese
Work and study · HSK 3
"Can I have a word with you?" in Chinese is 我能和你说句话吗？ (Wǒ néng hé nǐ shuō jù huà ma?). In Chinese offices, pulling someone aside is handled delicatelydirectness can feel aggressive. 方便聊几句吗 (is it convenient to chat a few words) is the go-to polite formula; 方便 (convenient) is the magic word that frames your request around their availability.
Primary translation
我能和你说句话吗？
Wǒ néng hé nǐ shuō jù huà ma?
Traditional: 我能和你說句話嗎？
Variants by register
Formal
请问方便聊几句吗？
Qǐngwèn fāngbiàn liáo jǐ jù ma?
Casual
借一步说话？
Jiè yí bù shuōhuà?
When to use it
In Chinese offices, pulling someone aside is handled delicatelydirectness can feel aggressive. 方便聊几句吗 (is it convenient to chat a few words) is the go-to polite formula; 方便 (convenient) is the magic word that frames your request around their availability. 借一步说话 literally means 'borrow a step to speak'a classic idiom for 'let's step aside,' slightly theatrical but common between close colleagues. Avoid 我有话跟你说 alone; it sounds ominous, like you're about to deliver bad news.
Example sentences
经理，方便聊几句吗？
Jīnglǐ, fāngbiàn liáo jǐ jù ma?
Manager, do you have a moment to chat?
老王，借一步说话。
Lǎo Wáng, jiè yí bù shuōhuà.
Lao Wang, can I have a word?
我能和你单独说句话吗？
Wǒ néng hé nǐ dāndú shuō jù huà ma?
Can I speak with you privately?