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ませんか (Won't You/Why Don't You)

[Verb Stem]ませんか

Explanation

Polite invitation or suggestion.

Formation

Verb stem + ませんか

Examples

コーヒーを飲みませんか。
Koohii o nomimasen ka.
Won't you have some coffee?
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一緒に行きませんか。
Issho ni ikimasen ka.
Why don't you come with me?
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映画を見ませんか。
Eiga o mimasen ka.
Would you like to watch a movie?
See in analyzer →

Usage Notes

  • Softer than ましょう
  • Polite invitation form
  • Literally "won't you...?"
  • Answer: いいですね for yes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Not a negative meaning despite ません
  • Different from ましょう (which includes speaker)
  • Response isn't はい/いいえ but acceptance/declination phrases

Related Grammar from "Verb Forms and Conjugations"

ます-form (Polite Present/Future)

[Verb Stem]ます

Polite form for present habitual actions or future intentions.

ました (Polite Past)

[Verb Stem]ました

Polite past tense form indicating completed actions.

ません (Polite Negative)

[Verb Stem]ません

Polite negative form for present/future.

More from "Verb Forms and Conjugations"