Japanese tameguchi speaking, #1　～ない？　as “Shall we　～”

ためぐち（タメ口、tameguchi) は、日本語の話し方の１つです。

ため口についての詳しい解説はこちら（英語と中国語の翻訳付き）
For a detailed explanation about Tameguchi (with English and Chinese translations), click here.
關於ため口的詳細解說（附英語和中文翻譯），請點擊這裡。

In casual Japanese conversation, especially when extending invitations or making gentle proposals, a common and friendly approach is to use the ‘～ない？’ form with a rising intonation. Contrary to what it might seem, this ‘～ない？’ form is not used in a negative context but rather as a casual, softer way of making suggestions or asking someone to join you.

1. 明日、うちに来ない？ (Ashita, uchi ni konai?)

Translated as: “Won’t you come over tomorrow?”
Here, the ‘～ない？’ with rising intonation turns a statement into a casual invitation.

2. このあと映画に行かない？ (Kono ato eiga ni ikanai?)

Translated as: “Shall we go to a movie after this?”
This is a friendly suggestion to go out together.

3. 週末どこかに遊びに行かない？ (Shūmatsu dokoka ni asobi ni ikanai?)

Translated as: “Shall we go out somewhere this weekend?”
Again, a relaxed way of proposing a weekend plan.

4. 将棋クラブに参加しない？ (Shōgi kurabu ni sanka shinai?)

Translated as: “Won’t you join the shogi club?”
Here, the proposal is made gently, almost as if it’s just a thought.