Home › Business English › Business · Intermediate

Calls · part 2 — finding a time

Ask a busy person to squeeze you in.

忙しい相手に、なんとか時間をもらえるようになりましょう。

Key English phrases

Could you squeeze me in ~?
I know you're slammed, but ~.
Even ~ would help.
Whatever suits you.

Example conversation

AI know you're slammed, but could you squeeze me in this week?
BIt's tight… maybe Thursday?
AEven fifteen minutes would help.
BLet's do Thursday at four, then.
APerfect — whatever suits you.
BFour it is.

In context

Listen to someone asking for time. 'I know you're completely slammed this week, but could you possibly squeeze me in? Even fifteen minutes would really help — I just need a quick decision from you. I'm totally flexible on when; whatever suits you works for me. Thanks so much for finding the time.'

When to use it · practice

A colleague is very busy. Ask them to squeeze you in.
同僚がとても忙しいです。「ねじこんで」とお願いしましょう。
You only need a little time. Lower the ask.
少しの時間だけ必要です。お願いを小さくしましょう。
You can be flexible. Let them choose.
柔軟になれます。相手に選んでもらいましょう。

Practice this for real

Say these phrases out loud with instant pronunciation feedback tuned for Japanese speakers.

Practice this lesson →Free 2-min level check Start free