JLPT N5 Grammar – Difference between “〜ましょう” and “〜ませんか”
Table of Contents
1. Difference between “〜ましょう” and “〜ませんか”
2. 〜ましょう
3. 〜ませんか
4. Let’s Compare
5. Summary
6. Similer Articles
7. Comment
Q: What is the difference between “ましょう” and “ませんか”?
A: Both are used to invite someone or make a suggestion, but the key difference lies in the strength of the speaker’s intent. “ましょう” expresses the speaker’s strong and proactive will, while “ませんか” is a more polite and reserved expression that shows consideration for the listener’s feelings.
〜ましょう (JLPT N5)
[Meaning]
① Invitation (inviting someone to do something together)
② Recommendation / Suggestion (proposing or encouraging the listener to do something)
[Rule]
[V] Verb stem + ましょう
[Examples]
ケーキ、買ってきたよ。みんなで食べましょう。（①）
I bought a cake. Let’s eat it together.
天気がいいから散歩しましょう。（①）
The weather is nice. Let’s go for a walk.
疲れているなら、少し休みましょう。（②）
If you’re tired, let’s take a short break.
危ないですから、横断歩道を渡りましょう。（②）
It’s dangerous, so let’s use the crosswalk.
There are two main uses of “ましょう.”
① Invitation
Used when the speaker actively invites the listener to do something together.
It carries the nuance of “I want to do this with you—how about it?” and is characterized by the speaker’s strong will taking precedence over the listener’s intention.
In casual situations, the volitional form “〜よう” is often used instead.
[Examples]
あそこまで歩きましょう。
Let’s walk over there.
仕事が終わったら、みんなで食事に行きましょう。
When we finish work, let’s go out for a meal together.
A：明日、公園でサッカーしよう。
B：うん、いいよ。
A: Let’s play soccer at the park tomorrow.
B: Yeah, sounds good.
② Recommendation / Suggestion
This usage also reflects the speaker’s strong and proactive intent.
It is used in situations where the speaker encourages the listener to take action or calls on them to do something, sometimes in a way that is close to giving a command.
[Examples]
A：この問題は難しいね。先生に聞いてみよう。
B：そうだね。
A: This problem is difficult. Let’s ask the teacher.
B: Yeah, good idea.
ごみはごみ箱に捨てましょう。
Let’s throw garbage into the trash bin.
歩きながらスマホを見るのは、やめましょう。
Let’s stop looking at our phones while walking.
〜ませんか (JLPT N5)
[Meaning]
① Invitation (gently inviting someone to do something together)
② Recommendation / Suggestion (softly encouraging the listener to take an action)
[Rule]
[V] Verb stem + ませんか
[Examples]
展覧会のチケットをもらったんですが、行きませんか。（①）
I got tickets to the exhibition. Would you like to go with me?
お昼ごはんを一緒に食べませんか。（①）
Would you like to have lunch together?
この小説、おもしろかったですよ。読みませんか。（②）
This novel was really interesting. Why don’t you read it?
この機会に日本語の勉強を始めてみませんか。（②）
Why don’t you start studying Japanese with this opportunity?
“ませんか” also has two main uses.
① Invitation
Like “ましょう,” it is used to invite someone, but with a more reserved tone.
The speaker is less assertive and uses a more polite way of speaking that shows respect for the listener’s feelings.
In casual situations, the plain negative form “〜ない？” is often used instead.
[Examples]
A：大丈夫ですか。あそこまで歩けませんか？
B：大丈夫です。歩きましょう。
A: Are you okay? Do you think you can walk that far?
B: I’m fine. Let’s walk.
A：疲れたね。お茶を飲まない？
B：そうですね。
A: You must be tired. Shall we have some tea together?
B: Sounds good.
Also, the pattern of inviting someone with “〜ませんか” and responding with “〜ましょう” is commonly seen in everyday conversation.
[Examples]
A：授業のあと、映画を見に行きませんか。
B：いいですね。行きましょう。
A: Would you like to go see a movie after class?
B: Sounds great. Let’s go.
A：一緒に宿題をしない？
B：うん、そうしよう。
A: Want to do homework together?
B: Yeah, let’s do that.
② Recommendation / Suggestion
“ませんか” is also used to gently encourage someone to try or consider doing something.
It is not forceful or commanding, and is characterized by its polite and calm tone.
[Examples]
ヨガは健康にいいですよ。やってみませんか。
Yoga is good for your health. Why don’t you give it a try?
みんなでアイデアを出しませんか。
Shall we all share some ideas together?
A：この紅茶、おいしいよ。よかったら飲まない？
B：ありがとう。でも紅茶は苦手なの。
A: This black tea is really good. Would you like some?
B: Thanks, but I’m not a big fan of black tea.
Let’s Compare
Let’s consider which expression—“ましょう” or “ませんか”—is more appropriate depending on the situation.
[Example ①]
① 明日、時間がありますか。買い物に行きましょう。
② 明日、時間がありますか。買い物に行きませんか。
⇒ The correct answer is ②.
Since the speaker is checking the listener’s availability while making an invitation, “ませんか,” which considers the listener’s intention, is more appropriate.
[Example ②]
① 時間がありません。今すぐ行きましょう。
② 時間がありません。今すぐ行きませんか。
⇒ The correct answer is ①.
In a situation where there is no time to waste, “ましょう” is more suitable because it actively urges immediate action.
As you can see, the appropriate expression changes depending on the level of urgency and the degree of consideration for the listener.
Try to develop a natural sense for choosing between the two.
Summary
| Meaning | Strength of the speaker’s intent | Typical usage situations | Casual expression | |
| 〜ましょう | ・Inviting the listener ・Making a suggestion or recommendation) | Assertive / Strong | ・When you want to prompt immediate action ・When you want to make a strong suggestion | 〜よう (volitional form） |
| 〜ませんか | ・Inviting the listener ・Making a suggestion or recommendation) | Reserved / Gentle | ・When you want to respect the listener’s intention ・When you want to invite someone politely | 〜ない？ (plain negative form) |
Similer Articles
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