JLPT N4 reference · Verb extensions
Volitional form
The volitional proposes a shared action or expresses the speaker’s intention.
Core meaning and form
Use 食べよう for ichidan verbs, 書こう for godan verbs, しよう for する, and 来よう for 来る. Polite proposals normally use ましょう; plain volitional also appears before と思う.
- Form: Use 食べよう for ichidan verbs, 書こう for godan verbs, しよう for する, and 来よう for 来る.
- Core use: The volitional proposes a shared action or expresses the speaker’s intention.
- Context: Polite proposals normally use ましょう; plain volitional also appears before と思う.
Examples in context
一緒に帰りましょう。Issho ni kaerimashō.Let us go home together.
もう寝よう。Mō neyō.Let’s go to bed now.
来年、日本へ行こうと思っています。Rainen, Nihon e ikō to omotte imasu.I am thinking of going to Japan next year.
Common errors
- Do not select this pattern from an English translation alone; check its attachment and discourse function.
- Keep the surrounding sentence in a consistent plain, polite, spoken, or written register.
Quick summary
- Use 食べよう for ichidan verbs, 書こう for godan verbs, しよう for する, and 来よう for 来る.
- The volitional proposes a shared action or expresses the speaker’s intention.
- Polite proposals normally use ましょう; plain volitional also appears before と思う.