HOME > WordMaster® > WHY NOT ...? | ~してはどうですか。
2008.10.14(Review of 2002.01.30 edition)
Welcome back!
As if October in Japan isn't special enough, the WordMaster has reached deep into the archives to bring you a collection of expressions that'll get your English sounding more natural than ever. Why not give them a look?
WHY NOT ...? ~してはどうですか。
- The expression “Why not (do something)?” is used to suggest something. It means “Why don't you (do something)?”
We can also use the expression “Why not (something)?” (without a verb) when the verb is understood. For example, if someone is trying to choose a paint color, you can say “Why not blue?” - Why not +動詞 ...? は、何かを提案するときに使う表現で、Why don't you ...?(~してはどうですか)という意味になります。
動詞がわかっているものだったら、省いて Why not +名詞 ...? と言うこともできます。例えば、誰かがペンキの色を選ぼうとしているのなら Why not blue?(青はどうですか)となります。
- a: I want to do something special for Reiko's birthday.
b: Why not take her to a hot spring? - a: Tom and I are thinking of having children soon.
b: You just got married. Why not wait a few years? - (high school students)
a: I still haven't got a date (= a partner) for the dance.
b: Why not ask Sally? You know how much she likes you. - (after Sammy breaks a lamp)
SAMMY: What am I going to tell Mom when she gets home?
OLDER SISTER: Why not the truth? She's going to find out anyway.
Why not join us again tomorrow? We'll keep the light on for you!