quick question
Brief inquiry
Use it to signal respect for someone's time when asking for a simple, fast piece of information.
Em 15 segundos
- A polite way to ask for a very brief moment of time.
- Signals that the answer should be short and easy to give.
- Used to lower social pressure before asking for information or help.
Significado
This is a polite way to ask for someone's time or attention for a very short moment. It signals that your request is simple and won't take long to answer.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6At the office
Hey Sarah, quick question: do you have the link for the Zoom call?
Hey Sarah, brief inquiry: do you have the link for the Zoom call?
Texting a friend
Quick question, what time are we meeting tonight?
Brief inquiry, what time are we meeting tonight?
At a restaurant
Excuse me, quick question, is there dairy in this soup?
Excuse me, brief inquiry, is there dairy in this soup?
Contexto cultural
The phrase reflects a modern obsession with productivity and time management in Western cultures. It serves as a social 'buffer' that minimizes the perceived cost of an interaction. Interestingly, it is often used as a 'white lie' to initiate longer conversations in corporate settings.
Keep it actually quick
The biggest social mistake is saying 'quick question' and then talking for 20 minutes. If it's long, say 'I have a complex issue' instead.
Avoid overusing it
If you say it five times a day to the same person, they will start to find it annoying rather than polite.
Em 15 segundos
- A polite way to ask for a very brief moment of time.
- Signals that the answer should be short and easy to give.
- Used to lower social pressure before asking for information or help.
What It Means
Quick question is a conversational bridge. It tells the other person you need help but won't be a burden. You are promising that your inquiry is small. It is the verbal equivalent of a 'knock' on a door. It lowers the pressure for the person listening. They know they won't be stuck in a long meeting. It is a very common way to start a conversation.
How To Use It
You usually say it before you actually ask the question. It acts as a polite warning. Use it when you need a fact, a date, or a simple opinion. You can say it in person or type it in a message. Often, people pair it with a 'Hey' or 'Sorry.' For example: Hey, quick question, are we meeting at five? It feels natural and smooth. It makes you sound like a busy, efficient person.
When To Use It
Use it when you genuinely need a fast answer. It is perfect for the office when passing a desk. Use it at a restaurant to ask for the bathroom. It works great in text messages to friends. Use it when you don't want to sound too demanding. It is the best tool for 'checking in' without being annoying. It keeps the vibe light and easy.
When NOT To Use It
Never use it for deep, complex life problems. If your question takes ten minutes to explain, it is not 'quick.' Using it for big topics can feel like a trick. Don't use it if you are about to deliver bad news. It can seem sarcastic if the topic is very serious. Avoid it in extremely formal legal settings or ceremonies. Don't be the person who says quick question and then talks for an hour. Nobody likes that person.
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in the US and UK, value 'not being a bother.' We love to pretend we are always busy. Using quick question shows you respect the other person's time. It became very popular with the rise of office culture and instant messaging. It is a way to bypass formal greetings like 'How are you?' It gets straight to the point while still being friendly. It is the ultimate 'low-stakes' social lubricant.
Common Variations
You might hear Just a quick one or Got a second? Some people say Quick query in more professional emails. In texts, you might just see Quick Q. All of these mean the same thing. They all signal that you are being brief. They are all designed to make the other person feel comfortable saying 'yes' to your request.
Notas de uso
This phrase is highly versatile and fits almost any social or professional situation. The only real 'gotcha' is the length of the follow-up; ensure the question is actually brief to maintain your social credibility.
Keep it actually quick
The biggest social mistake is saying 'quick question' and then talking for 20 minutes. If it's long, say 'I have a complex issue' instead.
Avoid overusing it
If you say it five times a day to the same person, they will start to find it annoying rather than polite.
The 'Quick Q' shortcut
In very informal Slack or WhatsApp messages, people often just type 'Quick Q:' to save time. It's the ultimate efficiency move!
Exemplos
6Hey Sarah, quick question: do you have the link for the Zoom call?
Hey Sarah, brief inquiry: do you have the link for the Zoom call?
Used here to get a specific piece of data without a long chat.
Quick question, what time are we meeting tonight?
Brief inquiry, what time are we meeting tonight?
Very common in digital communication to get straight to the point.
Excuse me, quick question, is there dairy in this soup?
Excuse me, brief inquiry, is there dairy in this soup?
Polite way to grab a server's attention for a simple fact.
I have a quick question regarding the deadline for the final essay.
I have a brief inquiry regarding the deadline for the final essay.
Softens the request and makes the student seem organized.
Quick question: why did I think wearing white to a spaghetti dinner was a good idea?
Brief inquiry: why did I think wearing white to a spaghetti dinner was a good idea?
Used rhetorically to point out one's own mistake.
Quick question, did you remember to feed the dog this morning?
Brief inquiry, did you remember to feed the dog this morning?
Used to check a task without sounding like you are nagging.
Teste-se
Choose the best phrase to start a text message asking for a friend's address.
___, what is your apartment number again?
Since you are asking for a simple piece of information, 'Quick question' is the most natural fit.
Which phrase makes this office interaction sound most polite?
Sorry to bother you, but I have a ___ about the report.
This phrase minimizes the interruption and sounds professional.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality of 'Quick Question'
Texting a friend or sibling.
Quick Q: you free?
Standard office or service use.
Quick question about the menu.
Professional emails or meetings.
I have a quick question for the board.
Where to use 'Quick Question'
Office Desk
Asking for a file.
Text Message
Checking a time.
Retail Store
Asking for a price.
At Home
Asking about dinner.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasYes, it is a standard noun phrase. In conversation, it is often used as a sentence fragment like Quick question: where is the milk? which is perfectly fine.
Absolutely. It shows you respect their busy schedule. Just ensure the question is actually something they can answer fast.
Then don't use this phrase. Instead, try saying Do you have a few minutes to discuss something? to be more honest about the time needed.
Both are fine. I have a quick question is slightly more formal, while Quick question... is more direct and conversational.
Many languages have similar concepts, like 'una pregunta rápida' in Spanish, but the English version is used very frequently as a conversation starter.
Yes, it's great for the end of an interview. You could say, I have one quick question about the team culture.
Yes, Quick Q is for texting. In a professional email, always write out the full phrase quick question or brief question.
Yes. A quick question asks for information, while a small favor asks someone to do an action for you.
The 'sorry' is a polite apology for interrupting whatever the person was doing before you spoke.
Sometimes. If someone is doing something very complicated, a friend might say Quick question: what on earth are you doing? to be funny.
Frases relacionadas
Just a quick one
A very common British variation used to introduce a short question.
Got a sec?
Short for 'Have you got a second?', used to ask for a brief moment of time.
One more thing
Used to add a final, usually short, point or question to a conversation.
By the way
Used to introduce a new topic or question that just came to mind.
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