How do you say "What would you like?" in Japanese?

"What would you like?" in Japanese is "何にしますか。". This phrase is commonly used in Japan.

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How to Say ‘What would you like?’ in Japanese

Q: What does "何にしますか。" mean in English?

"何にしますか。" means "What would you like?" in English. Usage tip: Literally, "What will you make it?" but naturally it means "What would you like?" Very common when taking orders.

何にしますか。

nan ni shi masu ka

[nah-nee nee shee mahs kah]

💬 Usage Tip: Literally, "What will you make it?" but naturally it means "What would you like?" Very common when taking orders.

🇯🇵 In Japan: Staff may use this after asking about food, drinks, dessert, or even your choice of set menu option.

Phrase Breakdown

何

nan

[nah-nee]

what

An interrogative word meaning 'what,' often used when asking for a choice or preference.

Example

何にしますか。

What will you have?

に

[nee]

to; into

A particle showing the result of a choice, as in deciding on something.

Example

飲み物はお水にします。

I’ll choose water for my drink.

し

shi

[shee]

do; make (stem)

The stem of する, used in polite forms like します when making a choice.

Example

私はお茶にしません。

I won’t choose tea.

ます

masu

[mahs]

polite verb ending

A polite ending attached to verb stems, common in customer service speech.

Example

こちらにします。

I’ll take this one.

か

[kah]

question particle

A sentence-ending particle that makes the sentence a question.

Example

何にしますか。

What will you have?

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