Processing keyword: Verb よう (~ you)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verb よう (~ you)

～よう (Verb Volitional Form)

1. Introduction

In Japanese, expressing intention, willingness, or making suggestions is a key part of daily communication. The grammar point ～よう is used to convey such meanings. It allows speakers to express their own intentions or to invite others to join in an action.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• Expressing one's intention or decision to do something.
• Making a suggestion or inviting someone to do something together ("Let's...").

Structure

The volitional form of verbs in Japanese is created differently depending on the verb group:

Verb Groups

1. Group I (Godan verbs): Verbs ending with -u sound.
2. Group II (Ichidan verbs): Verbs ending with -iru or -eru.
3. Group III (Irregular verbs): Special verbs like する and くる.

Formation Diagram

Group I (Godan Verbs)

For verbs ending with -u, change the -u to -ō.

Group II (Ichidan Verbs)

For verbs ending with -iru or -eru, replace る with よう.

Group III (Irregular Verbs)

3. Comparative Analysis

～ましょう vs. ～よう

• ～ましょう is the polite volitional form used for suggestions and invitations.
  • Example: 食べましょう。("Let's eat.")
• ～よう is the plain volitional form and is less formal.
  • Example: 食べよう。("Let's eat.")

～つもり vs. ～よう

• ～つもり expresses a firm intention or plan.
  • Example: 明日、運動するつもりです。("I intend to exercise tomorrow.")
• ～よう expresses a spontaneous decision or willingness.
  • Example: 明日、運動しよう。("I'll (decide right now to) exercise tomorrow.")

4. Examples in Context

Formal Context

• 会議を始めましょう。
  • Kaigi o hajimemashō.
  • "Let's start the meeting."
• 明日からもっと早く起きるようにします。
  • Ashita kara motto hayaku okiru yō ni shimasu.
  • "I will try to wake up earlier starting tomorrow."

Informal Context

• 公園に行こう。
  • Kōen ni ikō.
  • "Let's go to the park."
• 宿題を今やろう。
  • Shukudai o ima yarō.
  • "I'll do my homework now."

Spoken Language

• 映画を見に行こうか？
  • Eiga o mi ni ikō ka?
  • "Shall we go watch a movie?"
• 疲れたから、もう寝よう。
  • Tsukareta kara, mō neyō.
  • "I'm tired, so I'll go to bed now."

Written Language

• 将来は医者になろうと思っています。
  • Shōrai wa isha ni narō to omotte imasu.
  • "I am thinking of becoming a doctor in the future."

5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness

• Using ～よう is casual and suitable among friends or in informal settings.
• In formal situations or when speaking to superiors, use ～ましょう instead.

Social Norms

• Inviting someone with ～よう can sound abrupt if not used appropriately.
• Always consider the relationship and context when choosing the level of politeness.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using the wrong verb group rules.
   • Incorrect: 食べる → 食べろう ❌
   • Correct: 食べる → 食べよう ✔️
2. Confusing ～よう with ように (which means "so that").
   • ～ように Example: 忘れないようにメモする。("I make a note so that I don't forget.")

Tips

• Mnemonic for Group I verbs: For verbs ending with -u, think "change -u to -ō."
• Practice Conjugation: Regularly conjugate verbs to their volitional forms to become familiar with patterns.
• Context Matters: Always be mindful of the social context to choose between ～よう and ～ましょう.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～よう is used to express intention or to make casual suggestions.
• Formation varies between verb groups; ensure you apply the correct rule.
• Use ～よう in informal contexts and ～ましょう for polite situations.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you form the volitional form of Group II verbs?
2. Convert the verb 書く to its volitional form.
3. When should you use ～ましょう instead of ～よう? Answers:
4. Replace る with よう.
5. 書く → 書こう
6. In formal situations or when you need to be polite.

By mastering ～よう, you can effectively express your intentions and make suggestions in Japanese, enhancing your communication skills in both casual and formal settings.