How do you say "How many people?" in Japanese?

"How many people?" in Japanese is "何名様でしょうか". This phrase is commonly used in Japan.

What does "何名様でしょうか" mean in English?

"何名様でしょうか" means "How many people?" in English. Usage tip: Uses [様] for extra politeness.

👥❓

How to Say ‘How many people?’ in Japanese

何名様でしょうか

なんめいさまでしょうか

💬 Usage Tip: Uses [様] for extra politeness.

🇯🇵 In Japan: Respectful way to ask for the number of guests.

Phrase Breakdown

何名なんめい

how many people

A polite way to inquire about the number of people.

Example

何名様ですか？

How many people?

様さま

Mr./Ms.

An honorific title used to show respect.

Example

お客様

Guest/Customer

でしょうかでしょうか

is it?

A polite form of asking for confirmation.

Example

大丈夫でしょうか？

Is it alright?

Word-by-Word Breakdown

何なん

[nan]

How many people?

A polite way to inquire about the number of guests or people.

Example

ご予約は何名様でしょうか？

How many people is the reservation for?

名めい

[mei]

Counter for people

Used to denote the number of people.

Example

五名様です。

Five people.

様さま

[sama]

Honorific title

Added after a person's name or role for politeness.

Example

田中様が来ました。

Mr. Tanaka has come.

でしょうでしょう

[deshou]

Tentative form

Indicates uncertainty or politeness in a question.

Example

でしょうか？

Is that so?

かか

[ka]

Question particle

Indicates a question being asked.

Example

行きますか？

Are you going?

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