Translation guide
How to extend, accept, or decline an invitation in Japanese, depending on formality and relationship.
The speaker invites someone to do something together or to attend an event.
Polite negative question form used to invite someone. It is softer and more polite than the plain volitional form.
Would you like to go to a movie?
How about having some tea?
Polite volitional form used to suggest doing something together. More direct than 〜ませんか, often used when the speaker assumes the listener will agree.
Let's go soon.
Casual negative question form used among friends or close acquaintances.
Wanna go hang out tomorrow?
Plain volitional form used in casual speech to suggest doing something. Often used by male speakers.
Let's take a break.
The speaker responds positively to an invitation.
A common, polite way to accept an invitation, meaning 'That sounds good.'
A: Would you like to go to a movie? B: That sounds good.
Means 'definitely' or 'by all means', used to enthusiastically accept an invitation.
A formal way to accept, meaning 'with pleasure'.
The speaker politely refuses an invitation.
A vague, soft way to decline without giving a direct reason. The trailing off implies difficulty.
A: Wanna go for a drink tomorrow? B: Tomorrow's a bit...
A polite way to decline, meaning 'Sorry, it's not convenient.'
Means 'Please invite me again next time,' a polite way to decline while leaving the door open.
A formal written invitation, such as to a wedding or ceremony.
Referring to the act or concept of inviting someone.
In Japanese, directly translating 'I invite you' as 「あなたを招待します」 can sound overly formal or unnatural. Instead, use the invitation patterns like 〜ませんか or 〜ましょう to suggest an activity together.
Would you like to come to the party? (natural)
When declining, it's common to leave the sentence unfinished with ちょっと… or to give a vague reason. Directly saying 'no' (いいえ) is often too blunt.
A: Would you like to go out for a meal sometime? B: Definitely.
A: パーティーにご招待します。 B: 喜んで参ります。
A: I'd like to invite you to the party. B: I'll gladly come.
A: Are you free next Friday? B: Sorry, that day isn't good for me.
A: Would you like to go to a concert together? B: This time is a bit... Please ask me again next time.
I sent out invitations for the exhibition.
I turned down his invitation.