Request, Suggestion, or Advice? How to Choose the Right Japanese Expression

You know the Japanese expressions. But do you know which one to use in the actual situation?

Some of my students have told me that choosing the right expression when making a request, suggestion, or giving advice isn’t always easy.

They’ve learned many expressions and know their English translations. But the English doesn’t always capture what the Japanese actually communicates. Differences in language and culture can make the choice more complicated than it first appears.

Here are three expressions:

窓を開けてくれませんか。

窓を開けたらどうですか。

窓を開けたほうがいいですよ。

Imagine that you’re in a small classroom with a student who is senior to you. It’s September in Japan, and it’s still hot during the day. All the windows are closed, and the room feels a little stuffy.

Which expression would you choose in each of these situations?

1. The other student looks like they’re feeling unwell because of the heat.

2. The other student is using a handheld fan to cool themselves down.

3. You feel hot and want the other student to open the window.

So, which expression would a native Japanese speaker be most likely to choose in each situation? Let’s look at them one by one.

Situation 1

Most native Japanese speakers would probably choose 窓を開けたほうがいいですよ。

〜たほうがいい is used to give advice when the speaker believes that taking a certain action would be better. In this situation, the senior student looks unwell because of the heat, so you think opening the window would be better for them.

Situation 2

Most native Japanese speakers would probably choose 窓を開けたらどうですか。

〜たらどうですか is used to make a suggestion. The senior student seems to be feeling hot—they’re using a handheld fan—so you suggest opening the window as one possible solution. Unlike Situation 1, there is no clear sign that they are feeling unwell or particularly need your advice.

Situation 3

Most native Japanese speakers would probably choose 窓を開けてくれませんか。

〜てくれませんか is used to make a request. This time, you are the one who feels hot, and you want the senior student to open the window for you.

The action is the same in all three situations: opening the window. But the speaker’s intention is different.

One action, three different intentions.

Want to learn more about how Japanese is actually used in real-life situations?

Join my newsletter for practical insights into natural Japanese, nuance, and communication