GRAMMAR DETAIL
〜ましょう
Follows a verb stem to suggest that the speaker and listener perform an action together.
Examples
駅まで一緒に歩きましょう。
Let's walk to the station together.
Words used
次の駅で乗り換えましょう。
Let's transfer at the next station.
Words used
疲れたので少し休みましょう。
We are tired, so let's take a short break.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: Change a verb's
ますending toましょう. - Basic usage: It proposes an activity together, as in
駅まで一緒に歩きましょう。.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Asking for the listener's choice
休みましょうputs forward a proposal to rest, while休みませんかinvites the listener by asking their wishes. Choose with the listener's response in mind.
- An offer with ましょうか
- Depending on context,
荷物を持ちましょうかoffers to carry the listener's luggage. Forms withかshould not all be translated as proposing a joint activity.
- Depending on context,