GrammarJLPT N5
→ let's
Let's (do something) / I shall (do something)
JLPT N5Auxiliary verbNeutral
ましょう is the volitional form of the polite auxiliary verb ます. Its primary function is to suggest doing something together, equivalent to English "let's." It is formed by replacing ます with ましょう at the end of a verb. Because it uses the polite ます-stem, it is appropriate in a wide range of everyday and semi-formal situations, unlike the plain volitional form よう, which is more casual. ましょう can also express the speaker's own volition or offer, meaning "I shall" or "I will," especially when followed by the particle か to form ましょうか ("shall I?"). Compared to ませんか ("won't you...?"), which is a softer, more polite invitation that gives the listener room to decline, ましょう is a more direct and enthusiastic suggestion that assumes the listener will participate.
Functions
#1 Suggesting doing something together
Structure
Verb (ます-stem) + ましょう
いっしょに 昼ごはんを 食べましょう。
This is the most common use of ましょう. The speaker proposes a joint action, inviting the listener to do something together. Here, the speaker suggests eating lunch together. The tone is friendly and somewhat direct — the speaker expects the listener to agree. This usage is natural in everyday polite conversation among friends, coworkers, or acquaintances.Let's eat lunch together.
Structures
- Verb
- Verb (ます-stem) + ましょう
Common mistakes
A common mistake is confusing ましょう with ませんか. While both can be used to make suggestions, ませんか is a softer invitation ("won't you...?") that is more polite and gives the listener more freedom to refuse, whereas ましょう is more direct and assumes agreement. Another frequent error is using the dictionary form instead of the ます-stem before ましょう; for example, saying 食べるましょう instead of the correct 食べましょう. Learners should also be careful not to use ましょう when giving commands or instructions to someone, as it is a suggestion or offer, not an imperative — for requests, てください is more appropriate.
Related
ませんかようようかてくださいたらどうですかましょうか