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〜ましょう (mashō)

Writer: Cozykotobar | Naoki
Cozykotobar | Naoki
Sep 7
1 min read

JLPT N5


How to suggest doing something together — “let's ~.”


Meaning

“Let's ~.” Invites or proposes doing the action together.


Formation

  • Verb (ます-stem) + ましょう

  • Offer / check: 〜ましょうか


Examples

一緒に昼ご飯を食べましょう。

Issho ni hirugohan o tabemashō. — Let's have lunch together.


そろそろ始めましょう。

Sorosoro hajimemashō. — Let's get started.


荷物を持ちましょうか。

Nimotsu o mochimashō ka. — Shall I carry your bag? (offering)


また会いましょう。

Mata aimashō. — Let's meet again.


How it works

ましょう is the polite volitional — a warm invitation. Add か (〜ましょうか) to either offer help (“shall I ~?”) or check that others agree (“shall we ~?”).

The casual equivalent is the plain volitional: 食べよう, 行こう.


Compared with similar expressions

  • 〜ましょう — “let's ~” (polite invitation)

  • 〜ましょうか — “shall I / shall we ~?” (offer or check)

  • 〜ませんか — “won't you ~?” (softer invitation)


Common mistakes

  • Attach to the ます-stem: 行きます → 行きましょう

  • 〜ましょうか means “shall I help?” or “shall we?” — context decides.


Related grammar

  • 〜ませんか — won't you (invite)

  • 〜たい — want to

  • 〜てください — please do

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