ても差し支えない
May, Is bit a bother if, Do you mind if, Is it a problem if
Structure
Noun［でも］ + 差し支え + ありません(1)（か）
［な］Adjective［でも］ + 差し支え + ありません(1)（か）
［い］Adjective［ても］ + 差し支え + ありません(1)（か）
(1) ないでしょう、ございません
Explanation
ても差し支えない is a formal expression that functions like てもいい, used to ask for or give permission. It translates to 'it is alright if...' or 'would it be a problem if...'. It is formed by adding ても (or でも for nouns and な-adjectives) to the negative form of the verb 差し支える, which means 'to be an obstacle' or 'to cause a problem'. Because this is a polite expression, it is almost always seen as 差し支えありません rather than just using ない.
A more direct translation would be 'there is no hindrance even if (A)'. When asking for permission, the particle か is simply attached to the end of the sentence.
- もう帰っても差し支えありませんよ。今日はお疲れ様でした。It's perfectly fine for you to head home now. Thanks for your hard work today.
- 会議の時間が少し遅くても差し支えありません。準備が出来てから始めましょう。It's no problem if the meeting is a little late. Let's start whenever you're ready.
- 説明は簡単でも差し支えありませんか。Would it be alright if I give a simple explanation?
- 予定は金曜日でも差し支えありませんか。Would it be a problem if we made the appointment for Friday?
Caution
While ても差し支えない is a polite structure, the verb 差し支える on its own is not limited to polite speech. It often appears in regular sentences to state that one thing will negatively affect or hinder another.
- 夜ふかしは次の日の仕事に差し支えるから、早く寝なさい。Staying up late will negatively affect your work the next day, so go to bed early.
- 雨が降るとイベントに差し支えるので心配だ。I'm worried because if it rains, it will cause problems for the event.
Examples
「出張には社用車を使っても差し支えありません。」
'It is fine to use the company car for the business trip.'
図書館員に：「このページの写真を撮っても差し支えありませんか？」
To a librarian: 'Would it be a problem if I took a picture of this page?'
店員：「お支払いはクレジットカードでも差し支えございません。」
Clerk: 'It's perfectly fine to pay by credit card.'
採用担当者：「この仕事は未経験でも差し支えありません。」
Hiring manager: ‘For this job, it's fine even if you don't have experience.’
見積書はメールに添付してお送りしても差し支えないでしょうか？
Would it be all right to send the price quote attached to an email?
受付：「こちらのペンをお使いいただいても差し支えありません。」
Receptionist: 'You are welcome to use this pen.'
彼の功績は、歴史に残る偉業と言っても差し支えないだろう。
His achievements could well be described as a historic feat.
ちょっと暑いので、窓を開けても差し支えありませんか？
It's a bit warm, so would you mind if I opened the window?
先生へ：「レポートの提出が来週になっても差し支えないでしょうか。」
To a teacher: ‘Would it be a problem if I submit the report next week?’
服装はカジュアルなものでも差し支えありません。
It is fine to wear casual clothing.
司会者：「途中で退席されても差し支えございません。」
MC: ‘Please feel free to leave partway through if you need to.’
本人の同意があれば、代理人が手続きをしても差し支えない。
As long as the person themselves consents, there is no issue with a proxy handling the procedures.
A：「会議の資料、まだできてないんですが…」
B：「明日の朝までに間に合えば差し支えないよ。」
A: ‘The materials for the meeting aren't ready yet...’
B: ‘It's no problem as long as they're ready by tomorrow morning.’