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〜ましょうか

shall I…? shall we…?

Verb ます-stem + ましょうか

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Add か to ましょう and it becomes an offer or a suggestion: 窓を開けましょうか, "shall I open the window?"; 何を食べましょうか, "what shall we eat?"

Whether it means "shall I" or "shall we" comes from context: an offer to help is "shall I", a plan made together is "shall we".

It's the natural way to offer a hand when you notice someone struggling: 持ちましょうか, "shall I carry that?" A polite reply is お願いします ("yes, please") or 大丈夫です ("I'm fine, thanks").

Between friends it's the volitional form plus か: 持とうか.

Register: Polite. Casual: the volitional form plus か, 持とうか.

Examples

  • 暑あついですね。窓まどを開あけましょうか。

    It's hot, isn't it? Shall I open the window?

  • 重おもそうですね。持もちましょうか。

    That looks heavy. Shall I carry it?

  • 何時なんじに会あいましょうか。

    What time shall we meet?

  • お昼ひるは何なにを食たべましょうか。

    What shall we have for lunch?

  • 駅えきまで送おくりましょうか。

    Shall I take you to the station?

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