Translation guide
The English phrase "let's" is used to make suggestions or invitations that include the speaker. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with the volitional form of verbs, but the exact phrasing depends on the level of politeness and the context.
Making a casual suggestion or invitation to do something together, typically among friends or close acquaintances.
The volitional form of verbs is the standard casual way to say "let's [verb]". For godan verbs, change the final -u to -ou; for ichidan verbs, replace -ru with -you; for irregular verbs, use しよう (shiyou) for する and こよう (koyou) for くる.
Let's eat together.
Using the negative form of a verb as a question is a very common casual way to suggest doing something. It's softer than the volitional form and often used among close friends.
ちょっと休まない？
Why don't we take a break?
明日、遊びに行かない？
Want to go out tomorrow?
Making a polite suggestion or invitation, suitable for colleagues, acquaintances, or in semi-formal settings.
The polite volitional form is the standard way to say "let's" in polite speech. It is formed by replacing -ます with -ましょう.
会議を始めましょう。
Let's start the meeting.
一緒に行きましょう。
Let's go together.
Using the negative polite form as a question is a softer, more inviting way to suggest something. It's very common and polite.
お茶でも飲みませんか？
Would you like to get some tea?
今度、食事に行きませんか？
How about going out for a meal sometime?
Making a suggestion in a formal speech, written announcement, or official context.
The polite volitional form is also used in formal contexts, such as speeches or written notices, to propose a course of action.
これより、式を始めましょう。
Let us now begin the ceremony.
A very formal and somewhat rhetorical way to say "let's", often used in speeches to rally people. It is the volitional form + ではありませんか.
力を合わせて、この難局を乗り切ろうではありませんか。
Let us join forces and overcome this difficult situation.
Suggesting not doing something together.
To say "let's not [verb]", use the negative form of the verb + でおく in the volitional form. The casual version is ～ないでおこう, and the polite version is ～ないでおきましょう.
今日はお酒を飲まないでおこう。
Let's not drink alcohol today.
その話はしないでおきましょう。
Let's not talk about that.
Another way to suggest not doing something is to use the verb nominalized with の + やめる in the volitional form. This is more direct.
無駄遣いはやめよう。
Let's stop wasting money.
The volitional form (～しよう/しましょう) is a direct suggestion, while the negative question (～しない？/～ませんか？) is more inviting and leaves room for refusal. In polite situations, ～ませんか is often preferred over ～ましょう for invitations because it sounds less pushy.
映画に行きませんか？
Would you like to go to a movie? (invitation)
映画に行きましょう。
Let's go to a movie. (more decisive suggestion)
In English, "let's" can sometimes be used to ask for permission (e.g., "Let's go?" meaning "Can we go?"). In Japanese, the volitional form does not ask for permission; it assumes agreement. To ask for permission, use ～てもいい？ or ～ていい？.