Which one should you use?
While 行こう is the standard form for suggesting an action, 行くぞ is an energetic and forceful version that adds emphasis and enthusiasm. You can also add よし to the beginning of the phrase, as in よし、行こう, to express a sense of readiness or determination, similar to saying "Alright, let's do this!"
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form 行こう is the preferred way to say "Let's go" when addressing peers or using a casual tone. For more polite situations, such as speaking to superiors, strangers or in formal settings, use 行きましょう. In even more formal situations, such as when visiting a house or a traditional location to convey a respectful invitation, use 参りましょう.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 行こう is the volitional form of the verb 行く (to go), used to express a suggestion or an invitation to do something together.
How do you pronounce it?
ikō
Did you know?
- Japanese uses the same verb 行く for 'let's go' whether you are moving toward a person or moving away from your current location.
- In sports cheering, you might hear the rhythmic chant いけいけ (ike ike), which is a repeated imperative form of the same verb used to push an athlete forward.
- The polite version 参りましょう (mairimashō) uses a humble verb, which means you are lowering your own status to show respect to the listener. It is not just 'polite' but specifically displays your social position.
Examples in context
- 車で行こう。Let's go by car.This sentence is useful for showing how to suggest a method of travel with 行こう.Tatoeba #149096 by bunbuku, translation #265462 by CK
- さあ行こう。Now let's go.This sentence is useful for showing how to use the phrase with a sense of immediate action.Tatoeba #3506680 by arnab, translation #2249702 by CK
- 電車で行こう。Let's go by train.Tatoeba #124815 by tommy_san, translation #2706680 by CK
- お昼ごはんを食べましょう。Let's have lunch.
- はい、行きましょう。Yes, let's go.
- 神社に参りましょう。Let's go to the shrine.
- そうしましょう。Yes, let's.
- お祭りにいこう！Let's go to the festival!
- いいね、行こう！Sounds good, let's go!
- 海に行くぞ！Let's go to the beach!
- すごい！行くぞ！Awesome! Let's go!
- 101 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are preparing to start a marathon race.
- 陽葵 Himari準備はいい？Junbi wa ii?Are you ready?
- 大翔 Hirotoうん、行こう！Un, ikou!Yeah, let's go!
- 陽葵 Himari頑張ろうね。Ganbarou ne.Let's do our best.
- 大翔 Hiroto陽葵、絶対勝とう！Himari, zettai katou!Himari, let's definitely win!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 行こう, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
