差(さ)し支(つか)えない

さしつかえない

expression

no problem; no objection; acceptable

1. no problem; no objection; acceptable

Indicates that something is acceptable or poses no obstacle. A polite and formal way of expressing permission or that something will not cause difficulty.

明日(あした)でも差(さ)し支(つか)えない。

Tomorrow would be fine too.

お名前(なまえ)を伺(うかが)っても差(さ)し支(つか)えないでしょうか。

Would it be all right if I asked your name?

差(さ)し支(つか)えなければ、理由(りゆう)をお聞(き)かせいただけますか。

If it's not a problem, could you tell me the reason?

The negative form of 差(さ)し支(つか)える (to cause difficulty, to hinder). Almost exclusively used in the negative form. Very common in polite speech and business Japanese as a softer alternative to asking permission or confirming acceptability.

Common patterns

差(さ)し支(つか)えなければ: if it's not a problem...
差(さ)し支(つか)えないでしょうか: would it be all right?
差(さ)し支(つか)えありません: there's no problem (polite)
差(さ)し支(つか)えございません: there's no problem (very polite/humble)

Usage

This expression is a hallmark of polite Japanese. Using 差(さ)し支(つか)えなければ before a request softens it considerably, making it more respectful than 大丈夫(だいじょうぶ)ですか or 問題(もんだい)ないですか.

Similar words

構(かま)わない: it doesn't matter, it's fine — more casual, while 差(さ)し支(つか)えない is formal and polite
大丈夫(だいじょうぶ): it's okay — everyday and versatile, while 差(さ)し支(つか)えない is reserved for formal situations
問題(もんだい)ない: no problem — relatively neutral in formality, between 大丈夫(だいじょうぶ) and 差(さ)し支(つか)えない

Related Words

Compare: 構(かま)わない (it doesn't matter, it's fine)

Compare: 大丈夫(だいじょうぶ) (it's okay)

Compare: 問題(もんだい)ない (no problem)

general

Added 2026.4.25 20:20 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02

25000/25403_sashitsukaenai