Volitional
Let's, I'll.
Godan: change the final u sound to o and add う. Ichidan: drop る and add よう. Polite: ましょう.
| Verb | Plain | Polite |
|---|---|---|
| 行く | 行こう | 行きましょう |
| 話す | 話そう | 話しましょう |
| 待つ | 待とう | 待ちましょう |
| 飲む | 飲もう | 飲みましょう |
| 帰る | 帰ろう | 帰りましょう |
| 買う | 買おう | 買いましょう |
| 食べる | 食べよう | 食べましょう |
| する | しよう | しましょう |
| 来る | 来よう (こよう) | 来ましょう (きましょう) |
The volitional means "let's" when said to others, and "I'll" when you decide something for yourself. The plain form is for friends and family; ましょう is polite.
- Issho ni tabeyō.Let's eat together.
- Mō osoi kara, kaerō.It's late, so let's go home.
ようと思う
With と思う it says what you're thinking of doing. ようと思っています suggests a plan you've had for a while.
- Nihon ni ikō to omou.I'm thinking of going to Japan.
- Rainen, Nihon de hatarakō to omotte imasu.I'm planning to work in Japan next year.
ようとする
With とする it means "try to" or "be about to".
- Neyō to shitara, denwa ga natta.Just as I was about to go to sleep, the phone rang.
Cards from this guide
8 cardsEach card asks about one thing this guide teaches, and its back gives the answer with why and an example. They're reviewed with the rest of the Verbs cards.
What's the plain volitional ('let's') of 行く (go)?
行こう (let's go)
What's the plain volitional of 食べる (eat)?
食べよう (let's eat)
What's the plain volitional of 帰る (go home)?
帰ろう (let's go home)
What's the plain volitional of する (do)?
しよう
What's the polite volitional of 休む (rest), meaning 'let's rest'?
休みましょう
What does a volitional like 頑張ろう mean when you say it about yourself rather than to others?
'I'll (do my best)': it voices your own decision.
What does the volitional + と思っています mean, as in 見ようと思っています?
I'm planning to (see it).
What does the volitional + とする mean, as in 開けようとした?
Tried to (open it), or was about to.