Doesn't hurt to ask Meaning in English
expression
ˈdəzən/, /ˈdəzənt/ /ˈhɝt/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ/ /ˈæsk
DUZ-uhnt HURT tuh ASK
ˈdʌzənt/ /hˈɜːt/ /tˈuː/ /ˈɑːsk
DUZ-uhnt HURT too AH-sk
Definition
Said to encourage someone to ask a question or request something, emphasizing that there is no harm in trying even if the answer might be no.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and encouraging phrase. Used when requesting favors, information, or deals. Implies no risk or embarrassment in making a request. Similar to 'nothing to lose by asking'.
Spanish: no está de más preguntar - no pierde nada con preguntarPortuguese (BR): não custa perguntar - não faz mal perguntarPortuguese (PT): não custa perguntar - não faz mal perguntarChinese (Simplified): 问问无妨 - 问一下总没坏处Chinese (Traditional): 問問無妨 - 問一下總沒壞處Hindi: पूछने में क्या जाता हैArabic: لا ضير في أن تسأل - لا بأس أن تسألBengali: জিজ্ঞাসা করলে ক্ষতি নেই - চাওয়াতে ক্ষতি নেইRussian: спросить не помешает - за спрос не бьютJapanese: 聞くだけなら損はない - 聞いてみるだけなら大丈夫Vietnamese: hỏi cũng không mất gì - hỏi không sao cảKorean: 물어본다고 손해 볼 것 없다 - 물어보면 나쁠 건 없다Turkish: sormakta zarar yok - sormanın zararı olmazUrdu: پوچھنے میں کوئی حرج نہیں - پوچھ لینے میں کوئی نقصان نہیںIndonesian: tidak ada salahnya bertanya - bertanya tidak rugi
Example Sentences
It doesn't hurt to ask if there are any discounts.
basic
You should apply for the job — it doesn't hurt to ask.
basic
Can I have a bigger piece of cake? Well, it doesn't hurt to ask.
basic
"They probably won't say yes, but hey, it doesn't hurt to ask!"
natural
I know it's a long shot, but it doesn't hurt to ask about a raise.
natural
She always tells me it doesn't hurt to ask if I'm unsure about something.
natural