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For Life
2008.10.22

Welcome back! Shall we begin?

Today's LessonCATEGORY: 混同しやすい言葉
MAY I vs. SHALL (I/WE)
~してもいいですか vs. ~しましょうか

Explanation

  • May I can be used to ask permission (= ask if it's OK to do something).

    May I and Shall I can both be used to make polite offers.

    Shall we is normally used to make suggestions.
  • May I は、許可を求める(何かをしてもよいか尋ねる)ときに使います。

    May IShall I の両方とも、丁寧な申し出をするときに使う表現です。

    Shall we は、通常、提案をするときに使われます。

MAY I vs. SHALL (I/WE)

examples

  1. May I have another piece of cake?
  2. (elementary school student to teacher during class)
    Excuse me, Ms. Hunt, but may I go to the restroom?
  3. (boy to girl at a school dance)
    May I have the next dance?
  4. (department store salesperson to customer)
    May I help you?
  5. You look cold. Shall I turn up the heat?
  6. Shall we order pizza tonight?
  7. (husband to wife at a wedding reception)
    Shall we dance?

英会話レッスンEnjoy the day!