Meaning
The pattern 〜ませんか is used to make polite invitations or suggestions. It's formed by adding ませんか to the ます-form of a verb. This pattern is often used with いっしょに (together) to invite someone to do an activity. When responding affirmatively, use いいですね (that sounds good), and when declining, use ちょっと... (that's a bit difficult). Besides invitations, this pattern can also express requests or gentle commands.
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| 动词 | 動詞（ます形）ませんか |
Examples
-
A:いっしょに 図書館に 行きませんか。 B:ええ、いいですね。
A: Won't you go to the library together with me? B: Yes, that sounds great! -
いっしょに うたを うたいませんか。
Won't you sing a song with me? -
来週の しゅくじつに いっしょに 旅行しませんか。
Shall we go on a trip together next week's holiday? -
ドアを 閉めませんか。
Won't you close the door? -
図書館から 本を 借りませんか。
Shall we borrow books from the library? -
きょう へやを そうじ しませんか。
Won't you clean up the room with me today?
Summary
- Used to make polite invitations or suggestions to do something together
- Often paired with いっしょに (together) for group activities
- Can also express requests or gentle commands beyond just invitations