Meaning
The volitional form expresses “let’s,” “shall we,” or “I will / intend to.”
It is used for suggestions, invitations, or talking about your own intention in a casual way.
How to Conjugate
Group 1 Verbs
Change the final “u” sound to the “o” sound, then add “u.”
• 歌う (utau) → 歌おう (utaou)
(Let’s sing)
Group 2 Verbs
Drop “ru” and add “yō.”
• 見る (miru) → 見よう (miyou)
(Let’s watch)
Group 3 Verbs
• 来る (kuru) → 来よう (koyou)
• する (suru) → しよう (shiyou)
Examples
• ご飯を食べよう。
(Let’s eat.)
• 一緒に勉強しよう。
(Let’s study together.)
• 今日は早く寝ようと思う。
(I intend to sleep early today.)
This is used when you want to tell someone what you plan or intend to do.
You usually add ～と思う（I think) at the end.
• 今日は早く寝よう。
(I’ll sleep early today.)
When you are talking to yourself, you don’t need ～と思う.
• 今日は早く寝ようかと思います。
(I might sleep early today.)
If you add か, your intention is not fully decided yet.
Similar Grammar
V＋ましょう
This is also a volitional form and is translated as “let’s” or “shall we.”
It is more polite and often used in business situations or when speaking to older people. This doesn’t express your own intension.
V＋よう is casual and commonly used with family or friends.
How to conjugate
V (ます-form) ＋ ましょう
• 一緒に行きましょう。丁寧形（polite form)
(Let’s go together.)
• 一緒に行こう。普通形（casual/ plain form)
(Let’s go together.)
Summary
• V＋よう expresses intention or suggestion in a casual way, and your own intention.
• It is commonly used with friends or family.
• For polite situations, use V＋ましょう.