Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 3 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 3
Build the volitional from verb type
The volitional form means “let’s,” “shall,” or “I will,” depending on context. Ichidan verbs usually replace る with よう. Godan verbs change the final sound to the o-row plus う. する becomes しよう.
Target signal
食べる → 食べよう
eat → let’s eat / I will eat
For ichidan verbs, replace る with よう.
Vocabulary notes
- 食べよう
- let us eat; shall eat
- 食べる
- to eat
- よう
- seeming; appearance that ...
Compare in context
行く → 行こう
go → let’s go / I will go
For godan verbs, the final sound shifts before う.
Vocabulary notes
- こう
- like this; this way
- 行く
- to go
Compare in context
読む → 読もう
read → let’s read / I will read
読む becomes 読もう, with the む sound shifting to もう.
Vocabulary notes
- もう
- already; any more
- 読む
- to read
- も
- also; too
Section 2 of 3
Invitations and shared plans
In conversation, the volitional often invites someone into an action: let’s go, let’s eat, let’s rest. The subject is often omitted because the shared action is clear.
Target signal
一緒に昼ご飯を食べよう。
Let’s eat lunch together.
The invitation is friendly and direct.
Vocabulary notes
- 食べよう
- let us eat; shall eat
- 一緒に
- together
- 昼ご飯
- lunch
Preview
休み時間に図書館へ行こう。
Let’s go to the library during break.
行こう invites the listener to go together.
Vocabulary notes
- 休み時間
- break time; recess
- 図書館
- library
- こう
- like this; this way
Preview
ここで少し休もう。
Let’s rest here for a little.
休もう is the volitional form of 休む.
Vocabulary notes
- ここで
- here; at this place
- ここ
- here
- もう
- already; any more
Section 3 of 3
Personal resolutions and thoughts
The same form can also show a personal decision: “I’ll do it.” In writing, it often appears before と思います or inside quoted thoughts.
Target signal
今年は毎日日本語を読もうと思います。
This year, I think I will read Japanese every day.
読もうと思います reports a personal resolution.
Vocabulary notes
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
- 日本語
- Japanese language
- いま
- now
Preview
忘れないようにメモをしよう。
I’ll make a memo so I do not forget.
しよう shows a decision made by the speaker.
Vocabulary notes
- ように
- so that ...; in order to ...
- ように
- so that; in order to
- ない
- not; there is not
Preview
難しいけれど、最後まで頑張ろう。
It is difficult, but let’s keep doing our best until the end.
頑張ろう can encourage oneself or a group.
Vocabulary notes
- けれど
- but; although
- 難しい
- difficult
- まで
- until; up to