How to Say "Let's" in Japanese: Suggesting Actions (...-mashou)
Hello! In the previous lesson, you mastered '〜てもいいですか？' for requesting permission. From this point on, we will start learning very active expressions that you can use to take the initiative and involve other people.
This time, it's '〜ましょう', used to actively suggest doing something together. This one word will be the signal to start new plans and enjoyable times!
🎯 Lesson Goal
Learn to actively suggest doing something together by changing the verb ending from 'ます' to
'ましょう' (-mashou)!
Step 1 Discover
Let's look at how this is used to make weekend plans and order food.
週末、一緒に映画を見ましょう！
(Shuumatsu, issho ni eiga o mimashou!)
いいですね！行きましょう！
(Ii desu ne! Ikimashou!)
Did you notice?
Leo suggests an activity using "mimashou" (let's watch), and Yuki enthusiastically agrees by using another verb with the same ending: "ikimashou" (let's go).
Step 2 The Pattern
It's very easy to form: you just need to remove 'ます' (masu) from the verb and add 'ましょう' (mashou) instead.
Basic Chunk
ましょう。
( mashou.)
🔑 Key Point: "Let's ..."
'〜ましょう' corresponds to the English "Let's...", used when you positively suggest or invite a conversation partner to start doing something together.
🌟 Pro Tip: Taking the Lead
This expression is often used when you expect that your partner is very likely to agree (like "Let's eat!"), or when you are taking on a leadership role (like "Let's start the meeting").
Step 3 Pattern Practice
Drop the 「ます」 and add 「ましょう」. Read these out loud!
-
To Go (ikimasu) 行きます
行きましょう！
(Ikimashou!) Let's go!
-
To Start (hajimemasu) 始めます
始めましょう。
(Hajimemashou.) Let's start.
-
To Eat (tabemasu) 食べます
食べましょう。
(Tabemashou.) Let's eat.
Step 4 Make It Yours!
Imagine you want to start doing something with friends or colleagues. Pick words from the Cheat Sheet below and complete your own suggestion out loud.
👉 YOUR VERB ましょう！
Vocabulary Cheat Sheet
Verbs (動詞)
- 飲みましょう nomimashou (let's drink)
- 見ましょう mimashou (let's see/watch)
- 休みましょう yasumimashou (let's rest)
- 帰りましょう kaerimashou (let's go home)
Activities / Places (名詞)
- ひるごはん hirugohan (lunch)
- えいが eiga (movie)
- こうえん kouen (park)
- びじゅつかん bijutsukan (art museum)
Bonus Go Beyond the Basics
In real life, you'll also need to say "Let's NOT..." and suggest things casually with friends. Here's a quick guide to leveling up your conversation!
🙅♂️ 1. Let's NOT... (Negative)
今日は やめましょう。
(Kyou wa yamemashou.)"Let's not do it today."
行くのは やめましょう。
(Iku no wa yamemashou.)"Let's not go."
🤝 2. Friendly & Casual "Let's"
行きましょう (ikimashou)
(Ikou!)
食べましょう (tabemashou)
(Tabeyou!)
Summary Lesson Review
Suggesting an Action: Remove "ます" and add ましょう (mashou) to suggest doing something together, like "Let's...".
Taking the Lead: Use this form when you expect the listener to agree, or when taking a leadership role in starting an activity.
Negative Suggestions: Use やめましょう (yamemashou) to suggest NOT doing something ("Let's stop/not do it").
Practice Drill
Explanation