Asking a delicate question

10 phrases

冒昧 - presumptuous - is the word you use about yourself before asking something intrusive: 这话可能有点冒昧. 不想说也没关系 gives the other person a way out before they have to look for one, and that is what makes the question askable.

有件事想问你。 yǒu jiàn shì xiǎng wèn nǐ. — there's something I want to ask

方便问一下吗？ fāngbiàn wèn yíxià ma? — may I ask, if it's all right?

如果不介意的话。 rúguǒ bú jièyì dehuà. — if you don't mind my asking

我不是有意打听。 wǒ búshì yǒuyì dǎtīng. — I'm not prying

不想说也没关系。 bù xiǎng shuō yě méi guānxi. — you needn't answer

这话可能有点冒昧。 zhè huà kěnéng yǒudiǎn màomèi. — this may be presumptuous of me

你最近还好吗？ nǐ zuìjìn hái hǎo ma? — have things been all right?

需要人帮忙就说。 xūyào rén bāngmáng jiù shuō. — say the word if you need help

我不会跟别人说。 wǒ búhuì gēn biéren shuō. — it won't go any further

你慢慢说，不着急。 nǐ mànmàn shuō, bù zháojí. — take your time, there's no rush

HEYGOW

Asking a delicate question