这个座位有人吗？
zhège zuòwèi yǒurén ma?
Is this seat taken · trad. 這個座位有人嗎？
这个座位有人吗？ (Zhège zuòwèi yǒu rén ma) is a polite way to ask if a seat is occupied before you sit down, literally meaning "Does this seat have a person?". It's commonly used in public places like buses, trains, or cafes.
What does 这个座位有人吗？ (zhège zuòwèi yǒurén ma?) mean?
这个座位有人吗？ (zhège zuòwèi yǒurén ma?) means “is this seat taken” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “this seat has someone?”
When to use it
Neutral and polite. It's the standard way to ask. A common reply if it's free is "没有" (no, there isn't) or "没人" (no one). If it's taken, someone might say "有" (yes, there is) or "有人" (there's someone).
How to pronounce it
Sounds like "JUR-guh ZWOH-way YOH REN mah". The "ma" is a neutral tone question particle.
Other ways to say it
- 有人吗？yǒurén ma?Is there someone?
- 这里有人吗？zhèli yǒurén ma?Is there someone here?
- 这个位置有人吗？zhège wèizhi yǒurén ma?Is this spot taken?
Examples
请问，这个座位有人吗？
qǐngwèn, zhège zuòwèi yǒurén ma?
Excuse me, is this seat taken?
这个座位有人吗？我可以坐下吗？
zhège zuòwèi yǒurén ma? wǒ kěyǐ zuòxià ma?
Is this seat taken? May I sit down?
我看到一个空位，想问问有没有人坐。
wǒ kàndào yīgè kòngwèi, xiǎng wènwen yǒu méiyǒu rén zuò.
I saw an empty seat and wanted to ask if anyone is sitting there.
Pro tip: Always ask "这个座位有人吗？" before sitting in a public space to show politeness and avoid awkward situations.
Related phrases
几点到？ · What time does it arrive在哪儿换乘？ · Where do i transfer到了叫我一下 · Please tell me when we arrive
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