〜ましょう

N5

〜ましょう

-mashou

Let’s

N5

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Explanation

〜ましょう is a polite way to suggest doing something together. It is similar to “Let’s …” in English. It is made by replacing ます with ましょう. Key points: • Verb ます-form → ましょう • Used to make a suggestion or invitation • Polite and friendly • Often followed by よ or ね for tone For example, “行きます” becomes “行きましょう” (Let’s go). “食べます” becomes “食べましょう” (Let’s eat). You can use it in daily conversation to propose an action: “一緒に勉強しましょう” means “Let’s study together.” It is softer than a direct command and sounds cooperative. If you want to be even more gentle, you can add か: “行きましょうか” (Shall we go?). As a beginner, practice by taking common ます verbs and switching to ましょう. This makes it easy to invite others politely.

Structure

Pattern
Verb-stem + ましょう
Verb-stemPolite verb stem
Examples: 行き, 食べ, 勉強し
ましょうLet’s ending
Examples: ましょう

Examples

Example 1
映画を見ましょう。
Eiga o mimashou.
Let's watch a movie.
Breakdown
映画movie
object marker
見ましょうlet's watch
Note: Simple suggestion
Example 2
一緒に勉強しましょう。
Issho ni benkyou shimashou.
Let's study together.
Breakdown
一緒にtogether
勉強しましょうlet's study
Note: Polite invitation
Example 3
公園へ行きましょう。
Kouen e ikimashou.
Let's go to the park.
Breakdown
公園park
direction marker
行きましょうlet's go
Note: Destination suggestion
Example 4
休みましょう。
Yasumimashou.
Let's take a break.
Breakdown
休みましょうlet's rest
Note: Short suggestion

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