Polite to Colleague
Workplace · Lunch
You
今日のランチ、一緒にどうですか？
きょうのランチ、いっしょにどうですか？
Would you like to have lunch together today?
Romaji: Kyou no ranchi, issho ni dou desu ka? / Reply Romaji: Ii desu ne! Docchi ni shimasu ka?
Reply
いいですね！どっちにしますか？
いいですね！どっちにしますか？
That sounds great! Where shall we go?
Gesture & etiquette
A casual, light tone and a smile are appropriate. If you're inviting a superior, be more formal: 「よろしければご一緒しませんか？」(Would you care to join me if you're free?). Timing matters — invite when they appear to be between tasks, not during concentrated work.
Lunch invitations in Japanese offices are a key part of maintaining collegial relationships. If someone declines repeatedly, they may be signaling a preference for alone time — do not push. In many Japanese offices, eating at your desk (デスクランチ) is common; inviting someone for a proper lunch is a slightly special gesture.