Can I ask you a question? in Korean 🇰🇷

Sentence info.

Breakdown of “질문해도될까요?”
• “질문” (jilmun) means “question.”
• “해도” (haedo) comes from the verb “하다” (hada, “to do/ask”). When you add “-도,” it expresses “even if I do” or “if I do it.” In this context, it implies “if I ask…”
• “될까요?” (doelkkayo?) comes from “되다” (doeda, “to be allowed” or “to work out”) combined with the future/possibility ending “-ㄹ까요?” to pose a polite question asking for permission.

Tips to remember the structure:
• Think of it as “(Question) + if I do + is it acceptable?”
• Use “-아/어도 되다” as a formula to ask for permission.
• The ending “-ㄹ까요?” makes the sentence polite and inviting, perfect for formal or semi-formal situations.

Alternate ways to say “Can I ask you a question?”
• “물어봐도 될까요?” (mureobwado doelkkayo?) – Uses “물어보다” (mureoboda, “to ask” in a more casual way).
• “질문 좀 해도 될까요?” (jilmun jom haedo doelkkayo?) – Adds “좀” (jom) to soften and show politeness.
• “여쭤봐도 될까요?” (yeojjweobwado doelkkayo?) – A more honorific version using “여쭤보다” for asking politely.

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