How to Say ‘How many people will there be?’ in Japanese
何名様でしょうか。
nan mei sama deshou ka
[nan mei sama de-sho-u ka]
💬 Usage Tip: 名 (mei) is the counter for people in formal settings, and 様 (sama) adds respect toward the customer. When you answer, drop the 様: 三名です "three people".
Phrase Breakdown
何
nan
[nan]
how many
何 asks how many when used with a counter like 枚.
何枚必要ですか。
How many do you need?
名
mei
[mei]
counter for people / guests
名 is a polite counter used to count people, especially customers or guests in formal situations like restaurants.
4名でお願いします。
Four people, please.
様
sama
[sama]
honorific suffix
A suffix used to show respect, often for males.
社長様はこちらです。
This way, Mr. President.
でしょう
deshou
[de-sho-u]
Is it
Used when making polite inquiries or assumptions.
お荷物はこちらでよろしいでしょうか。
Is this luggage okay here?
か
ka
[ka]
question particle
Used to create a yes/no question in informal speech.
行くか？
Shall we go?
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