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Let's do
Definition
The grammar pattern "〜ましょう" is used to express a polite suggestion to do something together. It is often translated to "Let's" in English and is used to include the listener in an action. The speaker's intention is to invite the listener to participate in the action, making it a polite and inclusive expression. The nuance of this pattern is to create a sense of camaraderie and shared experience.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Volitional form | Verb stem + ましょう | 食べる (to eat) -> 食べましょう (Let's eat) |
| Negative volitional form | Verb stem + ませんましょう | 食べる (to eat) -> 食べませんましょう (Let's not eat) |
| Potential form | Verb stem + うましょう | 食べる (to eat) -> 食べうましょう (Let's be able to eat) |
Examples
お昼ですね。一緒に食べましょう。
ohiru desu ne. issho ni tabemashou.
It's lunchtime, let's eat together.
お昼ですね (It's lunchtime) + 一緒に (together) + 食べましょう (Let's eat)
疲れましたね。少し休ましょう。
tsukare mashita ne. sukoshi yasumashou.
I'm tired, let's take a break.
疲れましたね (I'm tired) + 少し (a little) + 休ましょう (Let's take a break)
来週のパーティーのために、ケーキを買いましょう。
raishuu no paatii no tame ni, keeki o kaimashou.
Let's buy a cake for the party next week.
来週のパーティーのために (for the party next week) + ケーキを (cake) + 買いましょう (Let's buy)
明日は雨が降りそうですね。傘を買いましょう。
ashita wa ame ga furisou desu ne. kasa o kaimashou.
It looks like it's going to rain tomorrow, let's buy an umbrella.
明日は (tomorrow) + 雨が降りそう (it's going to rain) + 傘を (umbrella) + 買いましょう (Let's buy)
この本を読みましょう。
kono hon o yomimashou.
Let's read this book.
この本を (this book) + 読みましょう (Let's read)
Context
The grammar pattern "〜ましょう" is used to express a polite suggestion to do something together. It is often used in casual conversations, especially among friends or in a group setting. The speaker's intention is to invite the listener to participate in the action, making it a polite and inclusive expression. This pattern is often used in place of the more formal "〜しましょう" (Let's do) pattern.
Watch out
When using a negative verb, you need to use the negative volitional form "〜ませんましょう" instead of "〜ましょう".
While both patterns are used to express a suggestion, "〜ましょうか" is more formal and polite than "〜ましょう".
When expressing a statement, you need to use the declarative form instead of the volitional form "〜ましょう".
Strategy
When using the grammar pattern "〜ましょう" on the JLPT exam, make sure to use the correct volitional form and to include the listener in the action. Also, be careful not to confuse it with other similar patterns, such as "〜ましょうか" or the declarative form.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N5 test-style questions. Each sentence shows 〜ましょう used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
お昼ですね。一緒に食べましょう。
Pattern used: 食べましょう
一緒に (together) signals a suggestion to do something as a group. 〜ましょう is 'let's do'.
疲れましたね。少し休みましょう。
Pattern used: 休みましょう
The speaker suggests resting together after noting shared tiredness. 〜ましょう proposes a joint action, while ましょうか would be offering to do something for the listener.
来週のパーティーのために、ケーキを買いましょう。
Pattern used: 買いましょう
The speaker proposes buying cake together for the party. 〜ましょう expresses 'let's buy' as a group decision.
Interactive
お昼ですね。一緒に______。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.