How to Ask “What should I do … ?” in Japanese | 〜んですが、疑問詞〜たらいいですか (…n desu ga, …tara ii desu ka) | JLPT N4 Grammar

2025/11/22

In everyday Japanese conversation, it is common to explain your situation first and then politely ask for advice. The expression “〜んですが、（疑問詞）〜たらいいですか” is an N4-level pattern that allows you to do exactly that. It combines two useful elements: “〜んです” to gently share your circumstances, and “〜たらいいですか” to ask what you should do. This structure sounds natural, considerate, and appropriately polite in most daily situations—especially when you are seeking guidance, instructions, or recommendations.

When and How It’s Used

This pattern is used when the speaker wants to explain their current issue, difficulty, or situation, and then ask the listener how to solve it. It is often used:

• When asking for help in stores or stations
  
• When requesting instructions
  
• When you are unsure what action to take
  
• When seeking recommendations or directions
  
• When politely asking someone more knowledgeable
  

The first part, “〜んですが”, introduces your situation softly. It shows that you are about to ask a question and prepares the listener to receive it. This expression sounds more natural and polite than simply stating the situation without “〜んです.”

The second part, “（疑問詞）〜たらいいですか,” asks what the best action is. The疑問詞 (question word) changes depending on what you want to know:

• どこで〜たらいいですか　Doko de ～tara iidesuka（Where should I…?）
  
• どうやって〜たらいいですか　Dou yatte ～tara iidesuka（How should I…?）
  
• いつ〜たらいいですか　Itsu ～tara iidesuka（When should I…?）
  
• だれに〜たらいいですか　Dare ni ～tara iidesuka（Who should I ask?）
  

Together, the pattern becomes a natural and polite way to ask for help in real-life communication. It softens your request and shows respect for the listener.

See How It’s Used in Conversation

This video will help you understand how ～んですが、疑問詞～たらいいですか is used in everyday Japanese conversations. Watch and repeat to improve your listening and speaking skills!

Sentence Pattern

Situation (plain form) + んですが、（疑問詞　[Question word]）＋ Verb（た-form）＋ らいいですか

Examples of the first clause:

• 道がわからない んですが　Michi ga wakaranain desuga
  
• 書類を書きたい んですが　Shorui o kakitain desuga
  
• 使い方がよくわからない んですが　Tsukaikata ga yoku wakaranain desuga
  

Examples of the second clause:

• どこで聞いた らいいですか　Doko de kiitara iidesuka
  
• どうやって申し込んだ らいいですか　Douyatte moushikondara iidesuka
  
• いつ行った らいいですか　Itsu ittara iidesuka
  

Both parts work together to express “Here’s my situation, so what should I do?”

Examples

①市役所に行きたいんですが、どうやって行ったらいいですか。

Shiyakusho ni ikitain desu ga, dō yatte ittara ii desu ka.

I want to go to the city office. How should I get there?

②この書類を出したいんですが、どこで出したらいいですか。

Kono shorui o dashitain desu ga, doko de dashitara ii desu ka.

I need to submit this document. Where should I turn it in?

③燃えるごみを出したいんですが、何曜日に出したらいいですか。

Moeru gomi o dashitain desu ga, nanyoubi ni dashitara iidesuka.

④日本語のことで質問があるんですが、だれに聞いたらいいですか。

Nihongo no koto de shitsumon ga arun desu ga, dare ni kiitara ii desu ka.

I have a question about Japanese. Who should I ask?

In Summary

The expression “〜んですが、（疑問詞）〜たらいいですか” is a polite and natural way to explain your situation and then request advice. It allows you to soften your question by showing your circumstances first, making the listener more willing to help. Because it is widely used in real-life interactions—shops, stations, offices, schools—it is a practical and essential grammar pattern for N4 learners. Mastering it will help you ask questions smoothly and communicate with confidence in everyday Japanese.

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Mastering the core grammar of JLPT N4 is just one step toward passing the exam. To build a solid foundation, you’ll also need to learn JLPT N4 Grammar List , and also Play List on Youtube for JLPT N4 helps you understand important grammar easily.

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