Translation guide
A phrase used to make suggestions, ask for opinions, or propose alternatives. Japanese uses different patterns depending on the function.
これはどうですか。
How about this?
あなたはどうですか。
How about you?
Casual version of 〜はどうですか. Used among friends or in informal situations.
これ、どう？
How about this?
Polite invitation pattern. Verb stem + ませんか. More directly invites the listener to do something together.
一緒に食べませんか。
How about eating together?
Casual invitation. Plain negative form of verb + ない？. Very informal.
ちょっと休まない？
How about taking a break?
Seeking someone's thoughts, feelings, or evaluation about something.
Same pattern as suggestion, but used to ask for an opinion. Context distinguishes the function.
この料理はどうですか。
How about this dish? (What do you think of it?)
Explicitly asks 'What do you think about ~?'. More direct than 〜はどうですか.
この計画はどう思いますか。
How about this plan? (What do you think?)
Casual version for asking opinions.
この色、どう？
How about this color?
Proposing a different option when the first is not suitable.
Again, the same pattern works for alternatives. Often used after a negative response.
じゃあ、金曜日はどうですか。
Then how about Friday?
Very casual and shortened. Implies 'how about ~?'.
じゃ、こっちは？
Then how about this one?
Returning a question or asking for the other person's situation.
Used to ask back. Often with あなたは or the person's name.
私は元気です。あなたはどうですか。
I'm fine. How about you?
Casual return question. Often just 〜は？ after stating your own situation.
私はコーヒー。あなたは？
I'll have coffee. How about you?
The English phrase 'how about' does not have a single direct equivalent. Using どう about without proper structure can be confusing. Always attach it to a topic with は.
映画はどうですか。
How about a movie?
〜はどうですか is a general suggestion or opinion request. 〜ませんか is a direct invitation to do something together. Use 〜ませんか when you want to include the listener in the action.
映画を見ませんか。
How about watching a movie? (invitation)