Processing keyword: ～たら どうですか (〜tara doudesuka)
Japanese Grammar Point: ～たら どうですか (〜tara doudesuka)
1. Introduction
The expression ～たらどうですか (〜tara dō desu ka) is a common Japanese grammar construct used to give gentle advice or make suggestions. It translates to phrases like "Why don't you...?" or "How about...?" in English. This structure allows the speaker to propose an idea without sounding forceful or demanding.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
- ～たらどうですか is used to suggest or advise someone to do something.
- It implies that the speaker thinks the action would be beneficial to the listener.
- The tone is polite and non-imposing.
Structure
To form this expression:
- Take the verb's plain past affirmative form (た-form).
- Add ら (ra).
- Add どうですか (dō desu ka). The formula looks like this:
Verb (た-form) + ら + どうですか
Formation Diagram
| Verb (Dictionary Form) | Verb (た-form) | + らどうですか | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 行く (いく, iku) | 行った (いった, itta) | 行ったらどうですか | How about going? |
| 食べる (たべる, taberu) | 食べた (たべた, tabeta) | 食べたらどうですか | Why don't you eat? |
| 休む (やすむ, yasumu) | 休んだ (やすんだ, yasunda) | 休んだらどうですか | How about resting? |
| 読む (よむ, yomu) | 読んだ (よんだ, yonda) | 読んだらどうですか | Why don't you read? |
| 見る (みる, miru) | 見た (みた, mita) | 見たらどうですか | How about watching/seeing? |
3. Comparative Analysis
Comparison with Similar Grammar Points
1. ～たほうがいいです (〜ta hō ga ii desu)
- Meaning: "You should..." or "It's better to..."
- Tone: Offers stronger advice or recommendation.
- Example: 早く寝たほうがいいです。
"You should go to bed early."
2. ～ませんか (〜masen ka)
- Meaning: "Won't you...?" or "Would you like to...?"
- Tone: Used to make invitations or suggestions.
- Example: 一緒に行きませんか。
"Won't you go together with me?"
Differences
- ～たらどうですか is more indirect and polite, making it suitable for casual advice.
- Unlike ～たほうがいいです, it doesn't carry a strong sense of obligation.
- ～ませんか is often used to invite someone to do something with the speaker.
4. Examples in Context
Example Sentences
- 友達に相談したらどうですか。
Tomodachi ni sōdan shitara dō desu ka.
Why don't you consult with a friend? - 疲れているみたいですね。少し休んだらどうですか。
Tsukarete iru mitai desu ne. Sukoshi yasundara dō desu ka.
You look tired. How about taking a little rest? - この本を読んだらどうですか。とても面白いですよ。
Kono hon o yondara dō desu ka. Totemo omoshiroi desu yo.
How about reading this book? It's very interesting. - 日本語が上手になりたいなら、日本のドラマを見たらどうですか。
Nihongo ga jōzu ni naritai nara, Nihon no dorama o mitara dō desu ka.
If you want to improve your Japanese, why don't you watch Japanese dramas? - その問題について先生に聞いたらどうですか。
Sono mondai ni tsuite sensei ni kiitara dō desu ka.
Why don't you ask the teacher about that problem?
Context Variations
- Formal Setting:
お忙しいところ恐縮ですが、明日までにご検討いただいたらいかがでしょうか。
Oisogashii tokoro kyōshuku desu ga, ashita made ni gokentō itadaitara ikaga deshō ka.
I apologize for bothering you when you're busy, but if you could consider it by tomorrow, how would that be? - Casual Conversation:
今日暇なら、一緒に映画を見に行ったらどう？
Kyō hima nara, issho ni eiga o mi ni ittara dō?
If you're free today, how about we go watch a movie together?
5. Cultural Notes
Politeness and Indirectness
- In Japanese culture, being indirect often shows politeness and consideration for others' feelings.
- Using ～たらどうですか allows the speaker to offer advice without being pushy or presumptuous.
- This form respects the listener's autonomy to make their own decision.
Levels of Formality
- Polite Form: ～たらどうですか
Suitable for most situations, maintains politeness. - Casual Form: ～たらどう？
Used among close friends or family members.
Idiomatic Expressions
- 一度やってみたらどうですか。
Why don't you try doing it once? - 新しい趣味を始めたらどうですか。
How about starting a new hobby?
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Common Mistakes
- Using the wrong verb form
- Incorrect: 行くらどうですか。(Ikura dō desu ka.)
- Correct: 行ったらどうですか。(Ittara dō desu ka.)
- Explanation: Always use the た-form of the verb before adding らどうですか.
- Confusing with conditional ～たら
- Mistake: Thinking that ～たらどうですか is a conditional "if" statement.
- Clarification: While ～たら can indicate "if," when combined with どうですか, it turns into a suggestion.
Learning Strategies
- Mnemonic Device:
Think of たら (tara) as "if you did..." and どうですか (dō desu ka) as "how about...?" So together, "If you did..., how about it?" - Practice Conjugation:
Make a list of common verbs and practice converting them to the た-form to build familiarity. - Listen and Repeat:
Watch Japanese shows or listen to conversations where suggestions are made to get a natural feel for the expression.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ～たらどうですか is used to make polite suggestions or give advice.
- Formed by adding らどうですか to the た-form of a verb.
- It reflects the cultural preference for indirect communication in Japan.
- Politeness levels can be adjusted by using or omitting ですか.
Quick Recap Quiz
- How do you form ～たらどうですか with the verb 書く (かく, kaku)?
- Answer: 書いたらどうですか。(Kaitara dō desu ka.)
- Translate to English:
映画が好きなら、この映画を見たらどうですか。- Answer: If you like movies, why don't you watch this one?
- True or False:
～たらどうですか is more direct than ～たほうがいいです。- Answer: False. It's less direct and more polite.