〜ましょう (Let's / Shall We)
Learn how to suggest doing an activity together using the polite ましょう form.
Making Plans
You are at a cafe with a Japanese friend. You have finished your coffee and want to suggest leaving to go to the park together. Instead of just saying 'Let's go', you want to use a polite, inviting tone.
コーヒー、おいしいですね。
The coffee is delicious, isn't it?
そうですね。公園へ行きましょうか。
Yes, it is. Shall we go to the park?
How to form ましょう
The 〜ましょう form is used to suggest an action that you and the listener will do together. It is the polite 'volitional' form of a verb.
Tip
Examples
See how this form works in various situations.
一緒に食べましょう。
Let's eat together.
映画を見ましょうか。
Shall we watch a movie?
ここで休みましょう。
Let's rest here.
明日、図書館へ行き【ましょう】。
Hint: Add the suggestion suffix.
Let's go to the library tomorrow.
Nuance and Register
The 〜ましょう form is polite and appropriate for use with friends, colleagues, or acquaintances. It assumes a shared activity.
Suggestion styles
〜ましょう
Polite suggestion (Let's...)
行きましょう
〜よう
Casual suggestion (Let's...)
行こう
Which form is appropriate to use with a teacher or a superior?
- ✓ 行きましょう
- 行こう
〜ましょう is the polite form and is suitable for superiors. 〜よう is casual and should be avoided with superiors.
Deep Dive: Invitations
Sometimes ましょう is used to offer help.
Offering help
Summary
You have learned how to use the 〜ましょう form to make polite suggestions for joint activities. Remember to remove 'masu' and add 'mashou'.