What does it mean word for word?
The volitional form is used to express a suggestion or an intention to do something together, meaning "let's go". The particle か is added to the end of the phrase to turn the statement into a question.
Which one should you use?
While the default form 行こうか？ is an informal way to suggest going somewhere and inviting someone along, you can also use the more casual 行く？ to propose going somewhere, particularly among friends or people of the same age group.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
行こうか？ is an informal form used with friends, family or subordinates. For a polite version, use 行きましょうか？, which should be used when speaking to superiors, older people or individuals in a formal setting whom you are not close to.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the question particle か at the end of a phrase turns it into a question.
How do you pronounce it?
ikō ka?
When do people say it?
When someone suggests going, a common informal way to agree is to say うん、行こう (yeah, let's go). In more polite situations, a common way to agree is to say はい、行きましょう (yes, let's go).
Did you know?
- The verb within this phrase, 行く (iku), can also be used metaphorically in Japanese to mean 'to be valid' or 'to work' for a certain plan or idea. If a plan is 'going' well, it is functioning as intended.
- In Japanese culture, someone might say 行こうか？ even if they have no intention of leaving immediately. It can function as a social cue to signal that a meeting or conversation has naturally reached its end.
- A person might respond to 行こうか by simply standing up rather than speaking. This non-verbal cue is a standard way to signal readiness to move.
Examples in context
- 食事に行きましょうか？Shall we go for a meal?
- 映画館へ行こうか？Shall we go to the cinema?
- 公園に行く？Wanna go to the park?
- そろそろ行こうか？Sorosoro ikou ka?Shall we go soon?
- 準備はできた？行こうか？Junbi wa dekita? Ikou ka?Are you ready? Shall we go?
- 駅まで行こうか？Eki made ikou ka?Shall we go to the station?
Example conversation
Himari and Kenta are finishing their coffee at a cafe.
- 陽葵 Himari荷物はまとまった？行こうか？Nimotsu wa matomatta? Ikou ka?Is your luggage packed? Shall we go?
- 健太 Kentaうん、大丈夫。行こう。Un, daijoubu. Ikou.Yeah, I'm okay. Let's go.
- 陽葵 Himari健太、忘れ物はない？Kenta, wasuremono wa nai?Kenta, do you have everything?
- 健太 Kenta大丈夫、全部持ったよ。Daijoubu, zenbu motta yo.It's fine, I've got everything.
