〜ませんか

Formationverb stem + ませんか

ませんか invites, and the negative shape is exactly what makes it polite: it leaves the listener room to say no. Compare ましょう, which takes agreement for granted. This is the form for asking someone to lunch.

Examples

〜ませんか is marked in each sentence. Tap any word for its dictionary entry.

1. 昼ひるご飯はんを食たべに外そとに出でませんか。

   How about going out for lunch?

2. 私わたしたちにお話はなしをしてくれませんか。

   Will you tell us a story?

3. 食事しょくじにいらしゃいませんか。

   Won't you come to dine with us?

4. どうかドアを閉しめてくれませんか。

   Will you please shut the door?

5. 彼かれをなだめてくれませんか。

   Quiet him down, will you?