How To Invite People and Make Plans in Japanese

Invitations and Making Plans in Japanese

If you're planning to visit Japan or simply want to learn more about Japanese culture, knowing how to invite people and make plans in Japanese is an essential skill. Whether you're making plans with friends or colleagues, there are a few key phrases and etiquette rules you should be aware of to ensure your communication is polite and clear.

To invite someone to an event or activity, you can use phrases like "ikimashou," which means "let's go," or "asobimashou," which means "let's play." When making plans, it's important to express the date and time clearly, using the words "nannichi," which means "what date," and "nanji," which means "what time." Be sure to also use honorific language when speaking to someone of a higher status, such as a supervisor or elder.

When responding to an invitation, you can use phrases like "hai," which means "yes," or "chotto," which means "a little" or "maybe." It's also important to express gratitude for the invitation, using phrases like "arigatou gozaimasu," which means "thank you very much."

Additionally, it's essential to be aware of Japanese etiquette when making plans. For example, it's considered impolite to arrive late, so be sure to leave enough time for transportation and arrive at the designated time (learn how to ask for directions in Japanese if you need help!). It's also common to bring a small gift or "omiyage" when visiting someone's home or attending an event, as a way of expressing gratitude and appreciation.

By learning how to invite people and make plans in Japanese, you can not only communicate more effectively with Japanese speakers, but also gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for Japanese culture and customs. With practice and patience, anyone can master these important skills and enhance their experience of Japanese language and culture.

Here are some ways to invite someone to do something in Japanese:

Are you free tomorow? « Asu ha hima desu ka »

Are you doing anything this afternoon? « Kyou no gogo ha nanika yotei aru ? »

I would like to invite you to dinner : « Anata ha yuushoku ni omaneki shitai no desu ga. »

Would you have lunch with me? : « Watashi to chuushoku wo ikaga desu ka »

I would love to have dinner with you : « Yuushoku wo issho ni ikaga desu ka »

We go eat together?  « Issho ni tabini ikimasu ka »

We go have a drink together? « Nomi ni ikimasu ka »

How about going to the park? « Koen he iku koto ha dou desu ka »

Let’s go see a movie!  « eiga mini ikou »

Won’t you join us? « issohi ni ikimisen ka »

What do you want to do? « Sochira ha nani ga ii desu ka »

I want to see… : «  ….ga mitai na »

I want to go to … : « … ni ikitai desu »

Do you want to join me : « Issho ni shimasu ka »

Could you give me your phone number :  « anata no denwa bango wo itadakemau ka »

Yes, with pleasure : « Hai, yorokonde. »

It’s a good idea : « Sore ha ii kangae da »

It’s very nice of you ! « Goshinsetsu ni »

Yes, I’m very pleased ! « Hai, totemo ureshii desu »

No, thank you « iie, kekkou desu »

I’m sorry. « Hontou ni gomennasai »

I have something to do : « Yotei ga arimasu »

I’m very busy « Totemo isogashii desu. »

I’m not free : « Hima ga arimasen »

It’s not possible : « Muri desu »

I can’t on this date : « Sono hi ha dekimasen »

I don’t think I can : « Dekinai to omoimasu »

I wish I could, but… « Sou dekireba ii’n da deko… »

Not right now « ima ha dame desu »

Where shall we meet? « Doko de ai shimashou ka »

When  is it convenient for you? « tsugou ga ii no ha itsu ? »

About what thime? « itsu goro ni suru ? »

Whenever : « itsu demo ii yo »

When you have time : « anata no tsugou no yoi toki ni »

I’m free today, but I’ll be busy tomorow : « Kyou ha hima desu kedo ashita ha isogashii’n desu »

How about the 10th? : « Touka ha dou desu ka »

When are you free? : « itsu nara ii no »

You decide when and where! « itsu ni doko ni suru ka kimete »

It’s too early « hayasugi »

It’s too late « ososugi »

See you then « deha nochihodo »

See you next time : « Mata ne »