[Common Mistakes] Don’t Use 〜ましょうか for Things You’ve Already Done

 

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Chika sensei(@chika_sensei)がシェアした投稿

 

Today, I am going to share a homework correction from my JLPT Course!
The student’s sentence is not correct. Can you find the mistake?

 

[Student’s sentence]

 

これ、おいしいですよ。あなたも食べてみましょうか。

*これ、おいしいですよ。あなたもたべてみましょうか。

kore, oishii desu yo. anata mo tabete mimasyou ka.

 



 

[My correction]

 

これ、おいしいですよ。あなたも食べてみましょうか
→これ、おいしいですよ。あなたも食べてみませんか
kore, oishii desu yo. anata mo tabete mimasen ka.
This is delicious. Why don’t you try it too?

 

〜ましょうか (mashou ka): indicating an offer to do something together or with someone. “Let’s do it together.”

〜ませんか (masen ka): Using to suggest that the other person do something. “Do you want…?” “You should…”

You should use 〜ませんか because you are not urging the listener to eat something together that you do not know each other, but to say, “I have already eaten and you should eat too.”
​​
e.g.
公園に行きましょうか
kouen ni ikimashou ka.
​Shall we go to the park together?

 

公園で花火大会があるそうですよ。行きませんか
kouende hanabi taikai ga aru soudesu yo. ikimasen ka.
​There will be a fireworks display at the park. Do you want to go?

 

I hope my explanation helps you! 😊

 

I interact like the above correction with my JLPT All-in-One Course student. (Today’s homework sentence is from the N5, beginner level. Don’t know your Japanese level? Then take a level test here.) I can explain in English or Japanese, depending on your level.

Our JLPT course provides detailed Japanese grammar explanations and personalized feedback on your homework submissions to help you master the language. With homework assignments included in each lesson, you’ll have ample opportunities to practice and improve your skills. Enroll now to receive easy-to-understand support and start your journey towards fluency.