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Let's; why don't we (strong invitation/proposal)
Definition
The grammar pattern "V-volitional + ではないか" is used to express a strong invitation or proposal for someone to do something together. It is a formal and enthusiastic way to call for action, often used in speeches or by leaders. This pattern implies a sense of urgency and encourages the listener to take action. It can be translated to English as "Let's" or "Why don't we".
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Volitional form of verb (ダ行変格) | V-volitional + ではないか | 行こうではないか |
| Volitional form of verb (バ行変格) | V-volitional + ではないか | 行きそうではないか |
| Volitional form of verb (ガ行変格) | V-volitional + ではないか | 行きたいではないか |
Examples
みんなで力を合わせて、この困難を乗り越えようではないか。
Minna de chikara o awasete, kono kitan o norikoe yo nai ka.
Shall we all work together to overcome this difficulty?
みんなで (all together), 力を合わせて (to work together), この困難を乗り越えよう (to overcome this difficulty)
環境問題について、もっと真剣に話し合おうではないか。
Kankyō mondai ni tsuite, motto shinken ni hanashiau yo nai ka.
Shall we discuss the environmental issue more seriously?
環境問題について (about the environmental issue), もっと真剣に (more seriously), 話し合おう (to discuss)
新しいプロジェクトを成功させようではないか。
Atarashii purojekuto o seikou saseru yo nai ka.
Shall we make the new project a success?
新しいプロジェクトを (the new project), 成功させよう (to make a success)
Context
This pattern is used in formal and enthusiastic speech, often by leaders or in speeches. It is not suitable for casual conversation. It can be confused with the simple negative "dewa nai" or "dewa nai ka" used for surprise.
Watch out
Non-volitional verbs do not express the speaker's intention or desire, so they cannot be used with this pattern.
While both patterns are used for negation, "dewa nai" is a simple negation, whereas "V-volitional + ではないか" is a strong invitation or proposal.
While both patterns are used for negation, "dewa nai ka" is used for surprise or astonishment, whereas "V-volitional + ではないか" is a strong invitation or proposal.
Strategy
In the JLPT N2 exam, this pattern may appear in reading comprehension or listening sections. Pay attention to the context and the speaker's tone to determine whether the pattern is used for strong invitation or proposal.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N2 test-style questions. Each sentence shows V-volitional + ではないか used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
みんなで力を合わせて、この困難を乗り越えようではないか。
Pattern used: ではないか
A strong, formal call to action to overcome difficulties together.
環境問題について、もっと真剣に話し合おうではないか。
Pattern used: ではないか
Proposes a collective effort to discuss environmental issues seriously.
新しいプロジェクトを成功させようではないか。
Pattern used: ではないか
An encouraging proposal to make the new project successful.
Interactive
みんなで力を合わせて、この困難を乗り越えよう______。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.