Japanese Learning: Suggestion to do something together, like “Shall we do that?”; Isshoni [Verb phrase] masenka.

We have learned so far declarative sentences only. They are “A is B.” and “C does D.” kinds of sentences. Today, we are going to learn one of imperative sentences. There are several types of imperative sentences such as order, request, suggestion, and so on. Today’s sentence is to make a suggestion to do something together.

1. Isshoni [Verb phrase] masenka.

Example; Isshoni Koube e Ikimasenka. (Shall we go to Kobe together?)

Where;

– Isshoni: adverb; together

– Koube: noun; name of the city of Kobe

“Ikimasenka” seems to be just an interrogative expression of negative form. But with adverb “Isshoni”, this is to make a suggestion to the listener. When it comes to suggestion using negative form, there is an expression “Why don’t we do it” in English. However, a suggestion using “V+masenka” is polite expression.

Practice the followings that are using “V+masenka.” to make a suggestion to do something together.

2. Isshoni Yuugohan o Tabemasenka.

(Let’s eat dinner together.)

3. Isshoni Sakkaa o Shimasenka. (Let’s play soccer.)

4. Isshoni Depaato e Ikimasenka. (Shall we go to a department store together?)

When someone said a suggestion to you with “Isshoni V+masenka.”, there would be two types of answer; “Yes, let’s do that.” or “I don’t want to do that right now”. Let us learn these two answers tomorrow.

<この投稿は“スリーエーネットワーク、みんなの日本語 初級I 第2版, 第6課A4”の内容を参照しています。>