Dekimasuka or dekimasenka

[ppaddyflynn]

I am studying Japanese with Rosetta Stone, and sometimes the correct answer is to ask "dekimasuka" and other times, "dekimasenka." The program doesn't explain when each one should be used; you're supposed to figure it out by looking at the accompanying picture, but I don't get it. I can find anything on google either, so I would appreciate it if someone could help me out here. Thanks.

 

[nahadef]

It's not so different from negative questions in English. What is the difference between "Will you play golf?" and "Won't you play golf?"

I don't know the situations, so I can't clarify more, but the negative is often a supposing nuance, and often an invitation. But it's case by case.

 

[EdgarJTA]

I agree with nahadef.

Also, I noticed that dekimasenka would be mostly used when you ask permission for yourself. And dekimasuka usually when you ask someone if there's a possibility for them to do a certain task. This observation though is not 100% done all the time and either can be interchangeable in the same situations.

It's a confusing thing, really, but not at all destructive... just a couple of practices and you should be able to get the hang of it.