Grammar · Verbs

ませんか, would you like to

The pattern

[Verb stem] ませんか

[Verb stem] masen ka

A negative question used as an invitation. It sounds softer than a direct suggestion, because it leaves room to decline.

The mistake to avoid

It looks like 'won't you', but it is an ordinary polite invitation, not a reproach.

Examples

Rōmaji help

一緒に行きませんか。

いっしょにいきませんか。

issho ni ikimasen ka.

Would you like to go together?

お茶を飲みませんか。

おちゃをのみませんか。

ocha o nomimasen ka.

Shall we have some tea?

明日、映画を見ませんか。

あした、えいがをみませんか。

ashita, eiga o mimasen ka.

Would you like to see a film tomorrow?

一緒に昼ご飯を食べませんか。

いっしょにひるごはんをたべませんか。

issho ni hirugohan o tabemasen ka.

Shall we have lunch together?