11.4 How to Make Suggestions and Invitations: ませんか (masen ka)
In this module, we will learn the polite expression ませんか (masen ka) to effectively make suggestions and invitations in Japanese.
Introduction to ませんか (masen ka)
ませんか is a unique construction in Japanese that combines the negative form of ます with the question particle か. While ません on its own is the negative form of a verb, when paired with か to form ませんか, it doesn’t express negation. Instead, it is used to make a polite suggestion or extend an invitation to do something together.
This structure is commonly used when inviting someone to join you in an activity or when proposing a course of action in a considerate and respectful manner.
Here’s a summary of the purpose of ませんか:
1. To make suggestions for group activities
- It is a polite expression used to suggest doing something together.
- Often implies ‘Why don’t we …?’ to propose an activity as a group.
2. To invite someone politely
- It is used to extend a courteous invitation.
- Implies ‘Would you like to …?’ to invite someone to participate in an activity/event or accept an offer, such as having tea.
Usage in sentences
The basic structure is formed by adding か to the negative ます form of verbs: ませんか.
Examples:
1. Making suggestions for group activities
静（しず）かなカフェ（かふぇ）に行（い）きませんか。
Shizukana kafe ni iki masen ka.
Why don’t we go to a quiet café?
明日（あした）一緒（いっしょ）に映画（えいが）を見（み）ませんか。
Ashita issho ni eiga o mi masen ka.
Why don’t we watch a movie together tomorrow?
NOTE: To emphasise that the speaker wants to do the activity together with the listener, the adverb 一緒に can be used.
2. Inviting someone politely
田中（たなか）さん、明日家（うち）に来（き）ませんか。
Tanaka-san, ashita uchi ni ki masen ka.
Tanaka-san, would you like to come to my house tomorrow?
Dialogue example:
A: 田中さん、今日（きょう）一緒にお昼（ひる）ご飯（はん）を食（た）べませんか。
Tanaka-san, kyou isshoni ohiru-gohan o tabe masen ka.
Tanaka-san, would you like to have lunch together today?
B: ありがとうございます。いいですね。
Arigatou gozaimasu. Ii desu ne.
Thank you. That sounds great.
Exercise 1
