Lesson 35 of 126

The lesson

3.9 Volitional Form

AI-generated

Overview

Learn the volitional form, which expresses intention and suggestions. This form is used to say “let’s do …” or “I’ll do …”, in both casual and polite speech.

The volitional form expresses a forward-looking intention. Depending on context, it can mean “let’s …” or “I’ll …”.

。

Let’s go.

。

I’ll go home early today.

The plain volitional form is used in casual speech.

For う-verbs, change the final u-sound to the o-sound + う.

きごう→

drink → let’s drink

For る-verbs, drop る and add よう.

きごう→

eat → let’s eat

する and 来る are irregular.

きごう→

do → let’s do

きごう→

come → let’s come

The polite volitional form is made from ～ます.

きごう→

let’s go (polite)

This form is commonly used to invite others politely or to make gentle suggestions.

The volitional can also express personal responsibility.

。

I’ll do it.

。

I’ll explain.

In this usage, が often marks the subject to emphasize who will take the action.

Dialogue

ー--

べんちベンチにすわりましょう座りましょう。

こうひいコーヒーをのみましょう飲みましょう。

すこし少しやすみましょう休みましょう。

ゆうがた夕方、いえ家にかえりましょう帰りましょう。

Today the weather is nice.

Let’s go to the park.

Let’s sit on a bench.

Let’s drink coffee.

Let’s rest a little.

In the evening, let’s go home.

New words

Grammar

Title	Description
～よう	plain volitional
～ましょう	polite volitional

3.8 Existence: ある・いる

3.10 Polite invitation

You are not signed in, so nothing in this lesson is saved.