Meaning
The volitional form expresses the speaker's intention or makes a casual suggestion to do something. It is the plain form equivalent of ~ましょう and has a more informal, friendly tone suitable for close relationships. It can be used to invite someone, suggest an action, or express what you want to do.
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| 1类动词 | 把辞书形结尾假名换为所属行的"お"段假名，然后加上"う"：行く→行こう、帰る→帰ろう、走る→走ろう |
| 2类动词 | 去掉辞书形的"る"，加上"よう"：食べる→食べよう |
| 3类动词 | 不规则变化：来る→来よう、する→しよう |
Examples
-
ランチを食べに行きましょう。／ランチを食べに行こう。
Let's go eat lunch. -
明日私は休みなので、一緒に映画を見に行こうか。
Tomorrow I have the day off, so shall we go watch a movie together? -
A：来週引っ越しします。B：手伝おうか。
A: I'm moving next week. B: Should I help you? -
山田さんはまだ来ていないね。彼に電話しよう。
Yamada still hasn't arrived, huh. Let me call him.
Summary
- Form: Group 1 verbs change the last syllable to the 'o' row and add う (行く→行こう); Group 2 verbs drop る and add よう (食べる→食べよう); Group 3 verbs are irregular (する→しよう, 来る→来よう)
- Usage: Expresses personal intention, makes casual invitations, or suggests actions with a friendly, informal tone
- Most suitable between people with close relationships; more casual and friendly than the ~ましょう form