This form means 'let's do' something. You use it to suggest an action or invite someone to do it with you.
Verb [volitional form]Primary
This form means 'let's do' something. You use it to suggest an action or invite someone to do it with you.
映画を見に行こう！
Let's go see a movie!
来年、日本へ留学しようと思っています。
I'm thinking of studying abroad in Japan next year.
疲れたでしょう。少し休もうか。
You must be tired. Shall we rest a bit?
大学に入ろうとしたが、試験に落ちてしまった。
I tried to get into university, but I failed the entrance exam.
今日はもう遅いから、無理しないでいよう。
It's already late today, so let's make a point of not overdoing it.
This form can be like a secret promise to yourself. You are saying, 'I will do this.' It is not asking anyone else. It is just for you.
This form is like saying "Let's do it" in English. The polite way is "~ましょう". You use "~ましょう" with people you don't know well. You use "~よう/う" with friends and family. For example, "食べよう" is casual. "食べましょう" is polite.
Watch out: Do not mix up 'let's do' with 'do it'. 'Ikō' means 'Let's go'. 'Ike' means 'Go!'. Using 'Ike' can sound very rude. 'Let's do' is a friendly suggestion. 'Do it!' is a strong order.
Use this when you want to ask someone to do something with you. It makes your suggestion softer. It is like saying "Shall we?" or "How about we?"
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