GRAMMAR DETAIL
〜ませんか
Uses a negative question to gently invite the listener to do something together.
Examples
週末に映画を見ませんか。
Would you like to see a movie this weekend?
Words used
いっしょに昼ご飯を食べませんか。
Would you like to eat lunch together?
放課後、図書館で勉強しませんか。
Would you like to study at the library after school?
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: Add
かafter the polite verb negativeません. - Basic usage: It invites the listener to join an activity, as in
週末に映画を見ませんか。.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Intent of the negative question
- In an invitation, it asks about willingness to participate rather than merely checking whether someone will not act. An acceptance can name the intended action, as in
いいですね。行きましょう。.
- In an invitation, it asks about willingness to participate rather than merely checking whether someone will not act. An acceptance can name the intended action, as in
- Compared with ましょう
一緒に食べませんかinvites the listener while leaving room for a choice;一緒に食べましょうputs forward the proposal to eat together more directly.