Verb volitional form (よう/おう)

[Volitional Form - Let's/I'll]

Connection: Verb volitional form (よう/おう)

The volitional form expresses intention, invitation, or suggestion. It can mean "let's do," "I think I'll do," or "I intend to do."

Conjugation Table:

| Verb Group | Rule | Examples | |------------|------|----------| | Group 1 (五段) | Change u-sound → おう | 行く → 行こう (let's go)<br>書く → 書こう (let's write)<br>読む → 読もう (let's read)<br>話す → 話そう (let's talk)<br>買う → 買おう (let's buy)<br>待つ → 待とう (let's wait) | | Group 2 (一段) | Change る → よう | 食べる → 食べよう (let's eat)<br>見る → 見よう (let's see/watch) | | Irregular | Memorize | する → しよう (let's do)<br>くる → こよう (let's come) |

Three Main Uses:

1. Invitation ("Let's~"): 一緒に行こう (Let's go together)
2. Personal decision ("I think I'll~"): 明日は早く寝よう (I think I'll sleep early tomorrow)
3. Intention (+ と思う): 日本に留学しようと思う (I'm thinking of studying abroad in Japan)

Comparison:

• ましょう: Polite equivalent of volitional form
• つもりだ: Firm intention/plan (more definite than volitional)

Examples: 今日は映画を見よう。(Let's watch a movie today.) 明日から毎日運動しようと思います。(I'm thinking of exercising every day starting tomorrow.) もう帰ろうか。(Shall we go home now?)