～ましょう (mashou) - let's/shall we

This grammar point is a verb ending. It replaces the standard ～ます ending. It changes a statement into a proposal. For example, いきます means "I go." Changing it to いきましょう means "let's go." It is like putting a party hat on a verb. It signals that you want others to join you. It works with almost any action verb. It does not work with state verbs like "to exist." You are suggesting an active movement or choice.

1. 1Creating this form is a simple three-step process.
2. 2Start with the dictionary form of the verb.
3. 3Change the verb into its ます (masu) form.
4. 4Remove the ます and add ましょう.
5. 5Let's look at the verb たべる (to eat).
6. 6Dictionary: たべる
7. 7Masu-form: たべます
8. 8Final form: たべましょう
9. 9It is the same for all verb groups. For する verbs, べんきょうします becomes べんきょうしましょう. For くる, it becomes きましょう. It is very consistent and easy to remember.

Use this when you have a clear plan. Imagine you are at a restaurant with friends. You see a delicious dessert on the menu. You say たべましょう! to suggest sharing it. Use it when you want to start a meeting. You can say はじめましょう to get everyone's attention. It is also great for volunteering. If you see someone struggling with bags, say もちましょう. This means "I shall carry them for you." It shows you are helpful and proactive. Use it when you want to agree with a suggestion. If someone asks "Shall we go?", you reply いきましょう!. It is a very positive and upbeat grammar point.

Do not use this with people much higher than you. It can sound a bit too pushy or bossy. If your CEO is busy, don't say やすみましょう (let's rest). That might get you a very awkward look. Think of it like a grammar traffic light. It is green for friends and colleagues. It is yellow or red for your big boss. For superiors, use ～ましょうか to be softer. Also, do not use it for things you do alone. You cannot say ねましょう if you are the only one sleeping. That would be like talking to your imaginary friend.

One big mistake is adding ください to the end. Never say いきましょうください. That is like saying "Please let's go please." It sounds very strange to Japanese ears. Another mistake is forgetting the polite stem. Do not attach it to the dictionary form. たべるましょう is a common error for beginners. Always go through the ます form first. Some people also use it for things they dislike. Only use it for things you actually want to do. Don't use it to suggest a root canal!

You might know ～ませんか. This means "Won't you?" and is more of a question. ～ましょう is more of a direct suggestion. ～ませんか gives the other person more room to say no. Use ～ませんか for the first invitation. Use ～ましょう once the plan is already agreed upon. There is also the casual ～おう form. You use ～おう with very close friends or family. ～ましょう is the safe, polite middle ground. It is perfect for coworkers and new acquaintances.