～よう | Grammar

Structure

Verb (plain volitional)

う-verbs: final う-sound → お + う
- かう買う → かおう買おう
- かく書く → かこう書こう
- およぐ泳ぐ → およごう泳ごう
- はなす話す → はなそう話そう
- まつ待つ → まとう待とう
- しぬ死ぬ → しのう死のう
- あそぶ遊ぶ → あそぼう遊ぼう
- のむ飲む → のもう飲もう
- とる取る → とろう取ろう
る-verbs: drop る + よう
irregular:
- する → しよう
- くる来る → こよう来よう

Description

The volitional form is used to express a forward-looking intention made at the moment of speaking. Depending on context, it means either “let’s …” (suggestion) or “I’ll …” (personal decision).

Suggestion (“let’s …”)

。

Let’s take a short break.

。

Let’s watch a movie.

Personal intention (“I’ll …”)

The volitional form can be used to clearly express your will to take responsibility for an action. This use often appears when an action needs to be done and you want to indicate that you will do it.

。

I will do it.

When the goal is to clarify responsibility, the subject is often marked with が. This emphasizes that you are the one taking the action.

。

I will explain.

。

I will clean up.

Examples

。

Let’s go.

。

I’ll go home early today.

。

Let’s try a different method next.

。

Let’s think about it one more time.

。

I’ll do it.

。

I’ll explain.

。

I’ll take a break tomorrow.

。

Let’s start first.

。

I’ll solve this problem later.

。

Let’s make a plan together.