avec un question

You will usually pair this phrase with a verb of movement. The most common one is venir (to come). For example, you might say, Je viens vers vous avec une question. This means 'I am coming to you with a question.' It acts as a bridge between your arrival and your actual inquiry. It gives the listener a split second to prepare their brain for a problem-solving mode. Use it to soften the blow of a sudden interruption.

This is a Swiss Army knife of phrases. Use it at the office when you walk up to a colleague's desk. Use it at a store when you need to find the gluten-free bread. It’s perfect for texting a friend when you need advice on a restaurant. Even in a classroom, it’s a polite way to catch the teacher's attention. It works whenever you want to be clear about your intentions from the very first second.

Don't use this if you are just making a statement or a complaint. If you say Je viens avec une question and then complain about the weather, people will be confused. Also, avoid it in very high-pressure emergencies. If the building is on fire, don't start with 'I have a question.' Just shout 'Fire!' Finally, remember that question is feminine. Never say un question or you might get a gentle, corrective smile from a local.

French culture places a high value on 'la précision' (precision). By announcing that you have a question, you are being respectful of the other person's time. It shows you aren't there to chat aimlessly. In French social etiquette, interrupting someone is okay if you acknowledge the interruption. This phrase does exactly that. It’s a polite 'warning' that you need their mental energy for a moment.

You will often hear people add an adjective to make it sound friendlier. Une petite question (a little question) is the most popular version. It makes your request seem less burdensome. You might also hear une question rapide (a quick question) for those moments when you’re in a rush. If you have many things to ask, you can say avec quelques questions (with a few questions).