11.6 How to Offer Help: ましょうか (mashou ka)
In the previous module, we introduced ましょうか (mashou ka) as a way to suggest and agree to plans. This module expands on its usage by introducing another practical application: offering help.
Introduction to ましょうか (mashou ka)
In addition to suggesting plans, ましょうか is also effective for offering assistance.
Usage in sentences
ましょうか is formed by adding ましょう directly to the stem of a verb. For example, the stem of the verb 手伝（てつだ）う (tetsudau: to help) is 手伝い (tetsudai).
Alternatively, you can start with the ます form of the verb, such as 手伝います (tetsudai masu), and replace the ending ます with ましょうか.
Examples:
手伝いましょうか。
Tetsudai mashou ka.
Shall I give you a hand? (Do you need help?)
Learning to use ましょうか in these situations helps you engage more politely and naturally when offering help or suggesting activities. Here are two scenarios where you can use ましょうか effectively to offer assistance:
Scenario 1. When you see a group of people trying to take a group photo by themselves:
（写真[しゃしん]を）撮（と）りましょうか。
(Shashin o) tori mashou ka.
Shall I take (a photo)?
Situation 2. When you notice someone struggling with a large suitcase on the stairs:
（荷物[にもつ]を）持（も）ちましょうか。
(Nimotsu o) mochi mashou ka.
Shall I carry (the luggage)?
In both cases, simply using the key verbs with ましょうか is enough and feels more natural, as the context is clear to both parties.
Exercise 1
