Polite Requests and Suggestions

[て-form]くださいませんか
[ます-stem]ましょうか
[Noun]はどうですか

Explanation

More polite ways to make requests and suggestions.

Formation

Various polite patterns for different situations

Examples

教えてくださいませんか。
Oshiete kudasaimasen ka.
Could you please tell me?
See in analyzer →
手伝いましょうか。
Tetsudaimashou ka.
Shall I help?
See in analyzer →
コーヒーはどうですか。
Koohii wa dou desu ka.
How about coffee?
See in analyzer →

Usage Notes

  • くださいませんか is very polite
  • ましょうか offers help
  • どうですか for suggestions
  • Negative form = more polite

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't confuse offering with requesting
  • ましょうか = shall I (not let's)
  • Answer appropriately to offers