〜ましょう — Let's ~; Shall We ~?

Properties

Meaning

ましょう expresses an invitation or suggestion to do something together with the listener. It can also express the speaker's own intention or determination to do something. It is the polite equivalent of the plain volitional form 〜よう.

• "Let's ~" (suggesting a joint action)
• "Shall we ~?" (inviting the listener)
• "I will ~" (expressing intention, less common)

Structure

[Verb ます-stem] + ましょう

Formation from Dictionary Form

ましょうか — "Shall I/We ~?"

Adding か to ましょう softens it into a question, used to offer assistance or propose something more tentatively.

[Verb ます-stem] + ましょうか

• 手伝いましょうか。— Shall I help you?
• そろそろ出発しましょうか。— Shall we head out soon?

Examples

1. 一緒に昼ごはんを食べましょう。

   • Issho ni hirugohan o tabemashou.
   • Let's eat lunch together.

2. 映画を見に行きましょう。

   • Eiga o mi ni ikimashou.
   • Let's go see a movie.

3. 少し休みましょう。

   • Sukoshi yasumimashou.
   • Let's take a short break.

4. 日本語を勉強しましょう。

   • Nihongo o benkyou shimashou.
   • Let's study Japanese.

5. 窓を開けましょうか。

   • Mado o akemashou ka.
   • Shall I open the window?

Note on Formality

ましょう is a polite form suitable for everyday conversation with peers, teachers, or colleagues. It is formed from the ます-stem and carries a polite, neutral register.

The plain volitional equivalent is 〜よう (e.g., 食べよう, 行こう), which is covered at JLPT N4. Use よう in casual speech with close friends or in inner monologue.

Common Mistakes

• Using ましょう with い-adjectives or nouns directly. ましょう only attaches to the ます-stem of verbs.

  • Incorrect: 元気ましょう
  • Correct: 元気になりましょう (Let's get well / cheer up)

• Confusing ましょう (suggestion) with ませんか (invitation). Both mean "Shall we ~?" but ませんか (e.g., 行きませんか) is slightly more polite and indirect, often used when inviting someone else. ましょう is more assertive.

• Forgetting to drop the る / う ending. Always convert to the ます-stem first before adding ましょう.