How to Say ‘How many people?’ in Japanese
何名様ですか？
nan mei sama desu ka
[nan mei sah-mah dess ka]
💬 Usage Tip: 名様 (meisama) is a respectful way of counting customers, so staff use it about you. When you answer, use the plain 人 instead, as in 二人です.
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
[sah-mah]
Mr.; Ms.; honored guest
A very polite title added after a person's name, common in hospitality and service.
田中様のご予約ですね。
It's a reservation for Mr./Ms. Tanaka, right?
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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