γγΎγγγ
~masen ka
Won't you...? / Shall we...?
πΈ Polite Invitation Pattern πΈ
π¬ Dialogue
Ashita, issho ni eiga o mimasen ka.
Won't you watch a movie with me tomorrow?
Ii desu ne. Mimashou!
That sounds good. Let's watch!
Ohiru-gohan ni sushi o tabemasen ka.
Won't you eat sushi for lunch?
Sumimasen, kyou wa chotto...
I'm sorry, today is a bit (difficult)...
Jaa, koohii o nomimasen ka.
Then, won't you drink some coffee?
Hai, nomimashou.
Yes, let's drink.
π Vocabulary
5 wordsβ Key Sentence
Verb (masu-stem) masen ka
Won't you (verb)?
- Pattern: [Verb] γΎγγγγ
- Meaning: Used to politely invite someone to do something.
Ocha o nomimasen ka.
Won't you drink some tea?
Kouen e ikimasen ka.
Won't you go to the park?
π Explanation
The expression γγγΎγγγγ is the most common way to politely invite someone to do an activity.
It is formed by taking the γΎγ (masu) stem of a verb and adding γΎγγγ. Even though it is a negative question (literally 'Won't you?'), it is used as a positive invitation.
This form is more polite than γγγΎγγγγ (Let's) because it gives the listener the option to say no more easily.
Tabemasen ka
= 'Won't you eat?'
Ikimasen ka
= 'Won't you go?'
π Quiz
How do you say 'Won't you drink coffee?' politely?