How to Say ‘How many people?’ in Japanese
何名様ですか。
nan mei sama desu ka
[nan may sama dess ka]
💬 Usage Tip: 名 (mei) counts people politely, and 様 (sama) adds extra respect for the guest, so this is the staff's polite version of 何人 (nannin) "how many people". You answer with the plain counter instead, as in 四人です, since you don't add respect to your own group.
🇯🇵 In Japan: Restaurant staff ask this the moment you walk in or call. A quick reply with your number, or simply holding up fingers at the door, is completely normal.
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
[may]
counter for people
A counter used for counting people in formal situations such as reservations.
名を確認します。
I will confirm the number of people.
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
[ka]
question particle
Used to create a yes/no question in informal speech.
行くか？
Shall we go?
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