有时间吗？

Place it at the very start of your interaction. You can use it as a standalone question. Or, add a person at the front: 你会有时间吗？ (Do you have time?). If you want to be more specific, add a time word. Try 你明天有时间吗？ (Do you have time tomorrow?). It functions exactly like the English equivalent. Just don't forget the 吗 at the end! Without it, you're just stating a fact.

Use it when you want to grab coffee with a friend. Use it at work before asking a colleague for help. It is great for texting when you want to start a chat. If you see someone looking busy, it is a polite 'knock' on their door. It works perfectly in a restaurant if you need the waiter. It is the 'universal key' for social entry.

Avoid using this in high-stakes, extremely formal ceremonies. If you are meeting a CEO, use 您现在方便吗？ instead. Don't use it if the person is clearly in an emergency. If someone is running from a fire, don't ask if they have time! Also, avoid overusing it with very close family. With your mom, just say what you want. Too much politeness can feel distant.

Chinese culture places a high value on 'saving face' and politeness. Asking 有时间吗 gives the other person an 'out.' If they say they are busy, nobody loses face. It is a soft way to approach someone without being demanding. In the past, people asked if you had eaten. Now, in the busy modern city, we ask if you have time. Time has become the new currency of friendship.

If you want to sound more casual, try 有空吗？ (yǒu kòng ma). This is very common among friends and peers. For a more formal vibe, use 您方便吗？ (nín fāng biàn ma). If you are in a rush, just say 有时间没？ in some northern dialects. Each variation changes the 'temperature' of the conversation. Stick with the basic version until you feel bold!