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How to say “Let’s~” in Japanese

How to say “Let’s~” in Japanese

Gow to say “Let’s ~” in Japanese using the volitional form of verbs.

1. Polite Form (ます-form)

Add ましょう to the stem of the verb.
例:
食べる (taberu, to eat) → 食べましょう (tabemashō) → Let’s eat

2. Plain Form
It depends on whether the verb is a う-verb or a る-verb.

a) う-Verbs
Change the final う to おう.

例:
行く (iku, to go) → 行こう (ikō) → Let’s go

b) る-Verbs
Change the final る to よう.

例:
見る (miru, to see) → 見よう (miyō) → Let’s see

3. Shall we…?
The volitional form can also mean “Shall we…?” if you add か.

例:
食べましょうか (tabemashō ka) → Shall we eat?

👉 So in short:

ます-form verbs → ~ましょう

る-verbs → ~よう

う-verbs → ~おう

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