〜んですが: meaning and usage

How to form it

• verb (plain form)/い-adjective+んですが
• noun/な-adjective (stem)+な+んですが

How it is used

Sets out the situation before a request, invitation or question, and the request itself is often left unsaid (「ペンを忘れたんですが…」). Softer than asking outright. 「〜んですけど」 is more casual.

Examples

1. この自動販売機、動かないんですが。

   This vending machine isn't working.

2. すみません、駅へ行きたいんですが、道を教えていただけませんか。

   Excuse me, I'd like to get to the station. Could you tell me the way?

3. 来週の土曜日に食事会をするんですが、一緒にどうですか。

   We're having a dinner get-together next Saturday. Would you like to join us?