よう (you)

Meaning & usage

The volitional ending よう expresses the speaker's intention or invitation, corresponding to will, shall, or let's in English. It attaches directly to verbs, with godan verbs changing the final u sound to the o row plus う as in 行こう or 飲もう, ichidan verbs dropping る and adding よう as in 食べよう, and irregular forms becoming しよう and 来よう. It is used in casual speech and self talk, while polite situations often use ましょう, and it also appears before と思う or かな to state or consider an intention.

Example sentences 7

1. ぼくはそれをもう一度いちどやってみよう。

   I will try it again.

2. お金を借りようと思ってかけずり回った。

   I ran all over town trying to borrow some money.

3. 話をつけようじゃないか。

   Let's talk it out.

4. セーターの上に何を着ようかな？

   What shall I put on over my sweater?

5. さあそれでは始めよう。

   Well, let's get the ball rolling.

6. 今日はこの赤いセーターを着ようかと思っている。

   I think I will wear this red sweater.

7. よしあしは別としてとにかくやってみよう。

   Whether it's good or not, let's do it anyway.