nomimashou

Nomimashou is a Japanese volitional form of the verb nomu, which means “to drink.” The phrase literally translates to “let’s drink” and is used to invite someone to share a beverage. It is the polite way to propose drinking together and is often employed in social, business, or casual contexts. In informal speech, the plain volitional form nomou is sometimes used, but nomimashou remains the more common choice in polite interaction.

In many Japanese social settings, nomimashou is a customary opening to a group outing or a casual gathering. It signals a shared purpose and camaraderie; the speaker proposes a communal activity, whether it be a celebratory toast, a business drinks meeting, or a drink after work. In business contexts, especially, nomimashou connotes a respectful invitation, balancing hospitality with cultural etiquette. The phrase is also embedded in traditional greetings such as “nomimashou, umaku o shimasu” (let’s drink, and have a good time).

The grammatical construction follows the pattern of the polite volitional: the stem of a verb is combined with the polite auxiliary verb mashou. This structure can be applied to other verbs as well; for instance, “hanasemashou” means “let’s speak.” Accordingly, nomimashou is a specific example of this broader form, distinguished by its common usage in social drinking scenarios.

The phrase has spread into popular culture and media, appearing in anime, dramas, and songs. In many modern Japanese media, characters use nomimashou as a friendly invitation, reflecting the social importance of drinking culture. The phrase thus encapsulates both grammatical structure and cultural nuance, serving as a concise, polite means of proposing shared enjoyment over a drink.