Sorry, is anyone sitting here?
Neutral Polite
What it really means
The polite way to ask for a free seat on a train, in a pub or cafe. It really means "may I sit here?". The usual answer is "no, go ahead". Taking a clearly reserved seat without asking is frowned upon.
Chinese explanation
在火车、酒吧或咖啡馆询问空座的礼貌方式，真正的意思是"我能坐这儿吗"。通常的回答是"没人，请坐"。不问就坐明显有人占的位子会招人反感。
Example conversation
A: Sorry, is anyone sitting here?
B: No, it's free — let me move my bag.
A：不好意思，这里有人坐吗？
B：没有，是空的——我把包挪一下。
All Politeness Decoder
Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team
· Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake