Japanese for Beginners: Suggesting Activities with 'Let's' and 'How about'
Learn to propose activities in Japanese using '～ましょう' and '～はどうですか'. Perfect for suggesting a movie, a walk, or other outings with friends.
By PookieFriends & plans · Yapr Learn
In Japanese, suggesting something to do is easy once you know two key patterns: '～ましょう' (mashou) for 'let's' and '～はどうですか' (wa dou desu ka) for 'how about'. Unlike making plans, which involves specific times and places, these expressions focus on the activity itself. This lesson teaches you how to propose ideas naturally, so you can invite someone to a movie, a walk, or any other activity. You'll learn the phrases, when to use them, and common pitfalls to avoid.
By the end, you can…
- suggest an activity using '～ましょう' (let's).
- propose an idea using '～はどうですか' (how about).
- respond to suggestions appropriately.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
映画を見ましょう。
Let's watch a movie.
Eiga o mimashou.
Use when you want to suggest watching a movie together. The verb '見る' (miru) becomes '見ましょう' (mimashou) to mean 'let's watch'. The particle 'を' (o) marks the object.
散歩に行きましょう。
Let's go for a walk.
Sanpo ni ikimashou.
Suggest taking a walk. '散歩' (sanpo) means walk/stroll, and '行く' (iku) becomes '行きましょう' (ikimashou) for 'let's go'. The particle 'に' (ni) marks the destination or purpose of movement.
映画はどうですか。
How about a movie?
Eiga wa dou desu ka.
A softer suggestion, literally 'How is a movie?' Use when you want to propose an idea without being pushy. The particle 'は' (wa) is written with the hiragana 'は' but pronounced 'wa'.
散歩はどうですか。
How about a walk?
Sanpo wa dou desu ka.
Suggest a walk as an option. This pattern works with any activity noun: replace '散歩' with other activities. The particle 'は' (wa) is written with the hiragana 'は' but pronounced 'wa'.
一緒にやりましょう。
Let's do it together.
Issho ni yarimashou.
A general way to suggest doing something together. '一緒に' (issho ni) means 'together', and 'やる' (yaru) is a casual verb for 'do'. Use this with close friends or peers, not in formal situations.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The pattern '～ましょう' (mashou) is attached to the stem of a verb to mean 'let's [verb]'. For example, '見る' (miru, to see) becomes '見ましょう' (mimashou, let's see). '行く' (iku, to go) becomes '行きましょう' (ikimashou, let's go). To suggest a noun activity, use '[noun]はどうですか' ([noun] wa dou desu ka), meaning 'How about [noun]?'. For instance, '映画はどうですか' (eiga wa dou desu ka) means 'How about a movie?'. Both patterns are polite and suitable for most situations. Note that 'は' in 'はどうですか' is written with the hiragana 'は' but pronounced 'wa'.
When to use it
Use '～ましょう' when you want to include yourself in the suggestion, like 'Let's do X'. Use '～はどうですか' when you're offering an idea for consideration, similar to 'How about X?'. For example, if you're with a friend and want to suggest a movie, you can say '映画を見ましょう' (eiga o mimashou) or '映画はどうですか' (eiga wa dou desu ka). The latter is slightly more indirect and polite. Avoid using these patterns with superiors in formal settings; instead, use '～ませんか' (masen ka) for invitations, which is more polite.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
今日は暇ですか。
Are you free today?Kyou wa hima desu ka.はい、暇です。何をしましょうか。
Yes, I'm free. What shall we do?Hai, hima desu. Nani o shimashou ka.映画はどうですか。
How about a movie?Eiga wa dou desu ka.いいですね。映画を見ましょう。
Sounds good. Let's watch a movie.Ii desu ne. Eiga o mimashou.A little context goes a long way
In Japanese, suggestions are often softened with '～はどうですか' to avoid imposing on others. Directly saying 'Let's' with '～ましょう' is fine among friends, but in more formal situations, consider using '～ませんか' (masen ka), which is a polite invitation. Also, responding with 'いいですね' (ii desu ne, sounds good) is a common way to accept. Note that 'は' in '～はどうですか' is written with the hiragana 'は' but pronounced 'wa'.
One thing to watch for
Using '～ましょう' with a noun, like '映画ましょう' (eiga mashou).
Try this instead: '～ましょう' attaches to verbs, not nouns. For nouns, use '～はどうですか'. For example, '映画はどうですか' (eiga wa dou desu ka) is correct. To use a verb, say '映画を見ましょう' (eiga o mimashou). Remember that 'は' in 'はどうですか' is pronounced 'wa'.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you suggest 'Let's go for a walk' in Japanese?
Show a sample answer
散歩に行きましょう。
'散歩' (sanpo) means walk, and '行きましょう' (ikimashou) is 'let's go'. This is a straightforward suggestion. Alternatively, you could say '散歩はどうですか' (sanpo wa dou desu ka) for 'How about a walk?' Note that 'は' is pronounced 'wa'.
2What is the difference between '～ましょう' and '～はどうですか'?
Show a sample answer
'～ましょう' means 'let's' and includes the speaker, while '～はどうですか' means 'how about' and offers an idea for consideration.
'～ましょう' is more direct and inclusive, e.g., '映画を見ましょう' (let's watch a movie). '～はどうですか' is softer, e.g., '映画はどうですか' (how about a movie?). Both are valid, but the latter is less pushy. Remember that 'は' in 'はどうですか' is pronounced 'wa'.
3How would you respond positively to a suggestion?
Show a sample answer
いいですね。
'いいですね' (ii desu ne) means 'sounds good' and is a common positive response. You could also say 'はい、そうしましょう' (hai, sou shimashou, yes, let's do that).
Use '～ましょう' to say 'let's' with verbs, and '～はどうですか' to say 'how about' with nouns. These patterns help you suggest activities naturally in Japanese.
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