行きましょう
ikimashou
In Japanese, 行きましょう (ikimashou) means "let's go" or "let's do it."
The phrase is a polite suggestion or invitation to go somewhere together. You can also use the variation 行きましょうか to say "shall we go?", which turns the suggestion into a polite question to ask for the listener's agreement or permission.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb stem of iku (to go) followed by the polite volitional suffix -mashou.
Which one should you use?
While 行きましょう is the standard polite form, you may encounter 行こう (ikou), which is the casual/plain version used for suggesting an action. In very casual settings among friends and peers, you might also hear Iko.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
行きましょう is a polite way to suggest an action and is suitable for use with acquaintances, colleagues or superiors. In contrast, 行こう is the casual form and should only be used with friends or people of lower social status.
How do you pronounce it?
ikimashou
Did you know?
- In Japanese, the verb iku (to go) can be used where English would use 'come'. If someone is moving toward you and you say 行きましょう, you are suggesting that you both move together toward a destination.
- In business and high-pressure environments, 行きましょう can transform from a suggestion of movement into a motivational shout. It is used to rally a team, functioning more like a 'let's do this!' cheer than a literal request to walk somewhere.
- While 行きましょう usually implies a physical destination, it is frequently used as a social cue to politely signal that a conversation has ended and it is time for everyone to leave.
Examples in context
- そろそろ行きましょう。Sorosoro ikimashou.Let's go soon.
- 公園へ行きましょう。Kouen e ikimashou.Let's go to the park.
- 一緒に駅へ行きましょう。Isshoni eki e ikimashou.Let's go to the station together.
Example conversation
Misaki and Yota are deciding where to eat lunch.
- 美咲 Misakiお腹が空きましたね。Onaka ga sukimashita ne.I'm hungry, aren't you?
- 陽太 Yotaそうですね。何を食べましょうか。Sou desu ne. Nani o tabemashou ka.You're right. What shall we eat?
- 美咲 Misakiあそこのイタリア料理店に行きましょう。Asoko no itaria ryouriten ni ikimashou.Let's go to that Italian restaurant over there.
- 陽太 Yotaいいですね。行きましょう！Ii desu ne. Ikimashou!That sounds great. Let's go!
