Grammar · Verbs

ませんか, would you like to

[Verb stem] ませんか

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

一緒に行きませんか。

いっしょにいきませんか。

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。

Shall we have some tea?