HOME > WordMaster® > MAY I vs. SHALL(I/WE)| ~してもいいですか vs. ~しましょうか
2008.10.22
Welcome back! Shall we begin?
MAY I vs. SHALL (I/WE)
~してもいいですか vs. ~しましょうか
- 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 I と Shall 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 have another piece of cake?
- (elementary school student to teacher during class)
Excuse me, Ms. Hunt, but may I go to the restroom? - (boy to girl at a school dance)
May I have the next dance? - (department store salesperson to customer)
May I help you? - You look cold. Shall I turn up the heat?
- Shall we order pizza tonight?
- (husband to wife at a wedding reception)
Shall we dance?
Enjoy the day!