Japanese grammar
What does ～ませんか mean? Japanese grammar N5
～ませんか means won't you ~? (polite invitation).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N5 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Vます (drop ます) + ませんか |
| Romaji | ~ masen ka |
| Meaning | won't you ~? (polite invitation) |
How to use it
Politely invite someone, making it easy for them to decline.
- In form it's a negative question + か, but the meaning is an INVITATION, not a negative question.
- More polite than ましょう because it leaves room for the listener to decline.
- A reply of agreement usually uses ましょう: 「いいですね、行きましょう。」
Examples
いっしょに映画を見ませんか。
Won't you watch a movie with me?
土曜日にうちへ来ませんか。
Won't you come to my house on Saturday?
Common mistakes
-
Wrongいっしょに行きますか。（when wanting to invite）
Correctいっしょに行きませんか。
行きますか is just a QUESTION (are you going), while 行きませんか is an INVITATION.