Grammar JLPT Level N5 - Lesson 18
Structure of ませんか:
Verb[ない] + か
Details about ませんか:
ませんか (or ないか more casually) is an expression that is used after verbs as an invitation. It basically translates to 'won't you do (A) with me?'.
This expression is a little bit different to ましょうか, in that it sounds directly like an invitation to do (A). ましょうか tends to sound more like a suggestion that (A) should be done.
To make it clearer that the speaker wants to do (A) 'with' someone, expressions like 一緒に 'together' are often added, for clarification.
This expression is a little bit different to ましょうか, in that it sounds directly like an invitation to do (A). ましょうか tends to sound more like a suggestion that (A) should be done.
- 明日は温泉に行きませんか。Won't you go to the onsen with me tomorrow? (Polite)
- 来週は釣りをしに行かないか。Won't you go fishing with me next week? (Casual)
To make it clearer that the speaker wants to do (A) 'with' someone, expressions like 一緒に 'together' are often added, for clarification.
- 一緒にお祭りへ行きませんか。Won't you go to the festival with me?
- ラーメンを食べに行きましょうか。Shall we go eat ramen?
- ラーメンを食べに行きませんか。Won't you go eat ramen with me?
ませんか
Usage Notes for ませんか:
Synonyms for ませんか:
たらどう
Why don't you...?, What if you did...?
ましょう
Let's, Shall we (Polite volitional)
~ましょうか
Shall we, Shall I
Example of ませんか
寿司を食べに行きませんか。
Won't you go eat sushi (with me)?
サッカーをしませんか。
Won't you play soccer (with me)?
一緒に文法を勉強しませんか。
Won't you study grammar with me?
お風呂に一緒に入りませんか。
Won't you take a bath with me?
金曜日に、買い物に行きませんか。
Won't you go shopping (with me) on Friday?
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