You have an early morning. The music next door has other plans. You do not need to start a neighbourhood war or write a five-paragraph complaint. A short, respectful request often communicates the problem more clearly than a long angry speech.
The Big Idea
Start politely, describe what you can hear without accusing anyone, make one specific request and thank the person for considering it.
10 Practical English Phrases
| English | Japanese · 日本語 |
|---|---|
| Hi, sorry to bother you. | こんにちは。お邪魔してすみません。 |
| Could I ask you something? | 少しよろしいですか？ |
| The music is coming through the wall. | 壁越しに音楽が聞こえています。 |
| I'm trying to get some sleep. | 眠ろうとしているところです。 |
| Would you mind turning it down a little? | 少し音量を下げていただけますか？ |
| Could we keep it quieter later tonight? | 今夜、遅い時間はもう少し静かにしていただけますか？ |
| I don't want to interrupt your evening. | おくつろぎのところすみません。 |
| The bass carries into my bedroom. | 寝室まで低音が響いています。 |
| Thanks, I really appreciate it. | ありがとうございます。助かります。 |
| Could I speak with the building manager? | 建物の管理人さんとお話しできますか？ |
Real Conversation — Fictional Roleplay
NEIGHBOUR A: “Hi, sorry to bother you. Could I ask a small favour?”
NEIGHBOUR B: “Sure. What is it?”
NEIGHBOUR A: “The music is coming through the wall, and I'm trying to sleep.”
NEIGHBOUR B: “Oh, I didn't realize it was carrying.”
NEIGHBOUR A: “Would you mind turning it down a little?”
NEIGHBOUR B: “No problem. I can lower it.”
NEIGHBOUR A: “Thanks, I really appreciate it.”
Remember: Use this exchange if you feel comfortable approaching your neighbour. Otherwise, ask the building manager for help.
Problem → Need → Request
Problem: The music next door is loud enough to disturb my sleep.
Need: I need a calmer environment without starting an argument.
Request: “Would you mind turning the music down a little, please?”
Before You Go
- Know the specific noise you want to mention
- Keep the request brief and respectful
- Choose an appropriate and safe way to contact the neighbour
- Avoid accusations, threats or recording anyone without permission
- If you feel unsafe, contact building management or an appropriate local service instead
3-Round Speaking Mission
- Round 1: Practise the opening “Sorry to bother you.”
- Round 2: Describe the noise without saying “You always…”.
- Round 3: Ask for a specific change and close with “Thank you.”
Surprise round: The neighbour says they cannot hear the music in your room. Calmly explain what you hear and offer to contact building management if needed.
Natural-English note: “Would you mind…?” is a polite request. A typical positive response is “No, not at all,” or “Sure, I can do that.”
