N4Conditionals

～たらどうですか (tara dou desu ka)

Q: Is "Using the dictionary form of the verb instead of the ta form." correct?

No. The correct form is "Use the ta form of the verb.". Using the dictionary form of the verb will result in an incorrect sentence. For example, "歩くたらどうですか" is incorrect, while "歩くたたらどうですか" is correct.

Q: Is "Using this pattern with superiors." correct?

No. The correct form is "Use a more formal or polite pattern with superiors.". This pattern is too casual and may come across as overly critical or directive when used with superiors. Use a more formal or polite pattern instead.

Q: Is "Forgetting the "ら"." correct?

No. The correct form is "Include the "ら".". Forgetting the "ら" will result in an incorrect sentence. For example, "歩くたどうですか" is incorrect, while "歩くたたらどうですか" is correct.

why don't you...?

Definition

Meaning

The grammar pattern "～たらどうですか (tara dou desu ka)" is used to give advice or make a mild suggestion. It is a polite way to express a conditional statement, implying that something should be done if a certain condition is met. The pattern is often used in everyday conversations, especially when offering suggestions or advice to someone. The nuance of this pattern is that it is not a direct command, but rather a gentle suggestion, which is why it is often used in polite conversations.

Structure

Formation Rules

Form	Pattern	Example
Ta form of the verb	Verb + た + たらどうですか	歩くたたらどうですか (walk ta tara dou desu ka) - Why don't you walk?
Ta form of the verb with a negative prefix (ない, ません, etc.)	Verb + ないたたらどうですか	歩かないたらどうですか (walk nai ta tara dou desu ka) - Why don't you walk?
Ta form of the verb with a polite prefix (ください, くださいません, etc.)	Verb + くださいたたらどうですか	歩かせてくださいたらどうですか (walk kasete kudasai ta tara dou desu ka) - Why don't you walk?

Examples

Example Sentences

道がわからないなら、警察にどうですか。

Michi ga wakaranai nara, keisatsu ni dou desu ka.

Why don't you ask the police?

道がわからないなら (if you don't know the way) + 警察にどうですか (ask the police)

疲れているようですね。少し休んでどうですか。

Tsukarete iru yō desu ne. Sukoshi yasunde dou desu ka.

You look tired. Why don't you take a break?

疲れているようですね (you look tired) + 少し休んでどうですか (take a break)

自分で作らないで、店でどうですか。

Jibun de tsukurawanai de, mise de dou desu ka.

Why don't you buy it at the store?

自分で作らないで (don't make it yourself) + 店でどうですか (buy it at the store)

天気予報がわからないなら、テレビでどうですか。

Tenki yohō ga wakaranai nara, terebi de dou desu ka.

Why don't you check the weather forecast on TV?

天気予報がわからないなら (if you don't know the weather forecast) + テレビでどうですか (check the weather forecast on TV)

困っているようですね。少し相談してどうですか。

Komatte iru yō desu ne. Sukoshi aidasu shite dou desu ka.

You seem to be having trouble. Why don't you talk to someone about it?

困っているようですね (you seem to be having trouble) + 少し相談してどうですか (talk to someone about it)

Context

Usage Notes

This pattern is used to give advice or make a mild suggestion. It is often used in polite conversations, especially when offering suggestions or advice to someone. It is not a direct command, but rather a gentle suggestion. This pattern can be used in a variety of situations, such as when someone is having trouble with something, or when you want to suggest a course of action.

Watch out

Common Mistakes

Using the dictionary form of the verb instead of the ta form.

Use the ta form of the verb.

Using the dictionary form of the verb will result in an incorrect sentence. For example, "歩くたらどうですか" is incorrect, while "歩くたたらどうですか" is correct.

Using this pattern with superiors.

Use a more formal or polite pattern with superiors.

This pattern is too casual and may come across as overly critical or directive when used with superiors. Use a more formal or polite pattern instead.

Forgetting the "ら".

Include the "ら".

Forgetting the "ら" will result in an incorrect sentence. For example, "歩くたどうですか" is incorrect, while "歩くたたらどうですか" is correct.

Strategy

JLPT Exam Tips

Pay attention to the formation of the sentence, making sure to use the ta form of the verb and include the "ら". Also, be aware of the nuance of the pattern, using it to give advice or make a mild suggestion rather than a direct command.

In context