How to Say ‘How about coffee or something?’ in Japanese
コーヒーでもどうですか。
koohii de mo dou desu ka
[ko-oh-hee deh moh dou dess kah]
💬 Usage Tip: Adding でも after a noun makes it "X or something" and keeps the suggestion loose. You can swap the noun freely: ランチでもどうですか "how about lunch or something?"
🇯🇵 In Japan: Coffee is the classic low-stakes first invitation. It's short, daytime, and easy for the other person to accept or politely decline.
Phrase Breakdown
コーヒーでも
koohii de mo
coffee or something
でも after a noun softens a suggestion: 'something like coffee'. Hold both long vowels: ko-o-hi-i.
お茶でも飲みましょう。
Let's have some tea or something.
Words in this phrase
コーヒー
koohii
[ko-oh-hee]
coffee
A popular beverage made from roasted coffee beans.
毎朝コーヒーを飲みます。
I drink coffee every morning.
で
de
[deh]
or something (part of でも)
With も, forms でも after a noun to soften a suggestion: 'X or something like that'.
お茶でも飲みませんか。
Shall we drink tea or something?
も
mo
[moh]
or something (part of でも)
Combines with で to make でも, which makes an invitation sound casual and not pushy.
映画でも見ましょう。
Let's watch a movie or something.
どうですか。
dou desu ka
how about it?
A polite way to make a suggestion or invitation. どう is a long 'doo', and the tone rises slightly at か.
明日はどうですか。
How about tomorrow?
Words in this phrase
どう
dou
[dou]
how
Interrogative pro-adverb used to ask about manner or state.
どうしたらいいですか？
What should I do?
です
desu
[dess]
is; polite copula
A polite sentence ending used in formal conversation.
少し伺いたいです。
I would like to ask a little.
か
ka
[kah]
question marker
Placed at the end of a sentence to make it a question.
A席はありますか。
Are there A seats available?
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Lessons for Your Situation
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“I hop cities every few months and this is the only app that actually prepares me for living somewhere, not just visiting. Tokyo was the real test — passed with flying colors.”
James O., 28, Remote Worker
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager