{"id":2144,"date":"2009-11-04T06:40:58","date_gmt":"2009-11-04T08:40:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/comoaprenderjapones.net\/?p=2144"},"modified":"2026-08-15T15:42:32","modified_gmt":"2026-08-15T18:42:32","slug":"mashou-form-of-verbs-in-japanese","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/comoaprenderjapones.net\/en\/forma-mashou-dos-verbos-em-japones\/","title":{"rendered":"The \u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046 (mashou) form: invitations and suggestions in Japanese"},"content":{"rendered":"

THE forma \u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046 (mashou<\/em>)<\/strong> is mainly used to propose a joint action: \u201clet's do it?\u201d. It appears in invitations, suggestions, shared decisions, and positive responses to an invitation.<\/p>\n\n

Although it often corresponds to \u201clet's\u201d in Portuguese, \u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046 is not a future tense, a potential form, or an expression of desire. The context shows whether the person is making a proposal, accepting an invitation, or encouraging the group to act.<\/p>\n\n

What does \u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046 mean in Japanese?<\/h2>\n\n

\u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046 is the polite volitional form<\/strong> of Japanese verbs. \u201cVolitional\u201d means that the construction expresses will or initiative. With \u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046, this initiative usually includes the interlocutor or a group.<\/p>\n\n

\u3044\u3063\u3057\u3087\u306b\u65e5\u672c\u8a9e\u3092\u52c9\u5f37\u3057\u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046\u3002<\/strong>
Issho ni nihongo o benky\u014d shimash\u014d.<\/em>
Let's study Japanese together.<\/p>\n\n

The romanization may appear as mash\u014d<\/em> or mashou<\/em>. In both cases, the ending \u3057\u3087\u3046 has a long vowel and sounds approximately like \u201cmash\u00f4\u201d.<\/p>\n\n

It is also important to separate concepts. \u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046 does not indicate that someone \u201ccan\u201d perform an action, a topic explained in potential form of japanese verbs<\/a>. It also does not mean \u201cwant to do\u201d, a sense expressed by the \u305f\u3044 form<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n

How to form verbs with \u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046<\/h2>\n\n

The practical rule is simple: put the verb in the \u307e\u3059 form and replace \u307e\u3059<\/strong> per \u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n

Verb stem + \u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Dictionary form<\/th>\n\u307e\u3059 form<\/th>\n\u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046 form<\/th>\nBasic meaning<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
\u884c\u304f (iku<\/em>)<\/td>\n\u884c\u304d\u307e\u3059<\/td>\n\u884c\u304d\u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046<\/td>\nWe will<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u8a71\u3059 (hanasu<\/em>)<\/td>\n\u8a71\u3057\u307e\u3059<\/td>\n\u8a71\u3057\u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046<\/td>\nLet's talk<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u98df\u3079\u308b (taberu<\/em>)<\/td>\n\u98df\u3079\u307e\u3059<\/td>\n\u98df\u3079\u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046<\/td>\nLet's eat<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u3059\u308b (suru<\/em>)<\/td>\n\u3057\u307e\u3059<\/td>\n\u3057\u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046<\/td>\nLet's do<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u6765\u308b (kuru<\/em>)<\/td>\n\u6765\u307e\u3059<\/td>\n\u6765\u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046<\/td>\nLet's come<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n

Therefore, those who already master the \u307e\u3059 form of Japanese verbs<\/a> don't need to memorize a different rule for each group. Just remove \u307e\u3059 and add \u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046.<\/p>\n\n

If you still have difficulty finding the stem of verbs like \u884c\u304f, \u98df\u3079\u308b, and \u3059\u308b, review the Verb groups in Japanese<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to use the \u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046 form<\/h2>\n\n

1. Proposing a joint action<\/h3>\n\n

The most common use of \u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046 is to suggest that the speaker and the listener do something together.<\/p>\n\n

\u4f11\u307f\u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046\u3002<\/strong>
Yasumimash\u014d.<\/em>
Let's rest.<\/p>\n\n

\u3053\u306e\u554f\u984c\u306b\u3064\u3044\u3066\u8a71\u3057\u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046\u3002<\/strong>
Kono mondai ni tsuite hanashimash\u014d.<\/em>
Let's talk about this problem.<\/p>\n\n

Depending on the situation and intonation, the sentence can sound like a friendly proposal, an encouragement, or a direction addressed to the group.<\/p>\n\n

2. Accepting an invitation<\/h3>\n\n

A very natural combination is to receive an invitation with \u307e\u305b\u3093\u304b and respond with \u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046.<\/p>\n\n

A: \u571f\u66dc\u65e5\u3001\u3044\u3063\u3057\u3087\u306b\u663c\u3054\u98ef\u3092\u98df\u3079\u307e\u305b\u3093\u304b\u3002<\/strong>
Doy\u014dbi, issho ni hirugohan o tabemasen ka.<\/em>
Would you like to have lunch with me on Saturday?<\/p>\n\n

B: \u3044\u3044\u3067\u3059\u306d\u3002\u98df\u3079\u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046\u3002<\/strong>
Ii desu ne. Tabemash\u014d.<\/em>
Good idea. Let's eat.<\/p>\n\n

In this dialogue, \u307e\u305b\u3093\u304b makes the invitation and leaves room for the other person to accept or refuse. The response \u98df\u3079\u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046 confirms the proposal.<\/p>\n\n

3. Making a plan<\/h3>\n\n

\u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046 is also used to finalize a decision or establish a shared plan.<\/p>\n\n

\u4e09\u6642\u306b\u99c5\u3067\u4f1a\u3044\u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046\u3002<\/strong>
Sanji ni eki de aimash\u014d.<\/em>
Let's meet at the station at three o'clock.<\/p>\n\n

\u4eca\u65e5\u306f\u3053\u3053\u307e\u3067\u306b\u3057\u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046\u3002<\/strong>
Ky\u014d wa koko made ni shimash\u014d.<\/em>
Let's stop here for today.<\/p>\n\n

4. Encouraging or guiding a group<\/h3>\n\n

Teachers, presenters, and teaching materials use \u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046 to invite everyone to do an activity.<\/p>\n\n

\u4f8b\u3092\u898b\u3066\u307f\u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046\u3002<\/strong>
Rei o mite mimash\u014d.<\/em>
Let's look at an example.<\/p>\n\n

\u6bce\u65e5\u5c11\u3057\u305a\u3064\u7df4\u7fd2\u3057\u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046\u3002<\/strong>
Mainichi sukoshi zutsu rensh\u016b shimash\u014d.<\/em>
Let's practice a little every day.<\/p>\n\n

In this usage, the translation can be \u201clet's,\u201d but the phrase also works as an inclusive encouragement: the speaker leads the activity without resorting to a direct order.<\/p>\n\n

How to use \u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046\u304b<\/h2>\n\n

By adding the interrogative particle \u304b, we get \u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046\u304b<\/strong>. This construction can offer help or ask the other person to participate in a decision.<\/p>\n\n

Offering to do something<\/h3>\n\n

\u8377\u7269\u3092\u6301\u3061\u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046\u304b\u3002<\/strong>
Nimotsu o mochimash\u014d ka.<\/em>
Do you want me to carry the luggage?<\/p>\n\n

\u7a93\u3092\u958b\u3051\u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046\u304b\u3002<\/strong>
Mado o akemash\u014d ka.<\/em>
Do you want me to open the window?<\/p>\n\n

In these examples, the speaker offers to act. Therefore, mechanically translating as \u201clet's carry?\u201d or \u201clet's open?\u201d would erase the most natural meaning of the situation.<\/p>\n\n

Deciding something together<\/h3>\n\n

With an interrogative word, \u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046\u304b can ask for a shared decision:<\/p>\n\n

\u3069\u3053\u3067\u4f1a\u3044\u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046\u304b\u3002<\/strong>
Doko de aimash\u014d ka.<\/em>
Where shall we meet?<\/p>\n\n

\u4f55\u6642\u306b\u51fa\u767a\u3057\u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046\u304b\u3002<\/strong>
Nanji ni shuppatsu shimash\u014d ka.<\/em>
What time shall we leave?<\/p>\n\n

Difference between \u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046, \u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046\u304b and \u307e\u305b\u3093\u304b<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Structure<\/th>\nMain function<\/th>\nExample<\/th>\nNatural translation<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
\u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046<\/td>\nPropose, accept, or confirm an action<\/td>\n\u884c\u304d\u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046\u3002<\/td>\nLet's go.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046\u304b<\/td>\nOffer help or ask for a decision<\/td>\n\u624b\u4f1d\u3044\u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046\u304b\u3002<\/td>\nDo you want me to help?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u307e\u305b\u3093\u304b<\/td>\nInvite in an open way<\/td>\n\u884c\u304d\u307e\u305b\u3093\u304b\u3002<\/td>\nWould you like to go?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n

When starting an invitation, \u307e\u305b\u3093\u304b usually leaves more room for the other person's response. \u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046 presents the action as a proposal or suggestion and can sound more decisive. Neither is automatically rude; the choice depends on the relationship, the situation, and the intention.<\/p>\n\n

\u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046 form and simple volitional form<\/h2>\n\n

The old text treated \u884c\u3053\u3046, \u98df\u3079\u3088\u3046, and \u3057\u3088\u3046 as an \u201cinformal mashou form.\u201d It is more accurate to call them the simple volitional form<\/strong>. They fulfill related functions but belong to the casual register.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Group<\/th>\nSimple volitional rule<\/th>\nExample<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Godan<\/td>\nChange the final syllable from the U column to the corresponding one in the O column and add \u3046<\/td>\n\u884c\u304f \u2192 \u884c\u3053\u3046; \u8a71\u3059 \u2192 \u8a71\u305d\u3046<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ichidan<\/td>\nRemove \u308b and add \u3088\u3046<\/td>\n\u98df\u3079\u308b \u2192 \u98df\u3079\u3088\u3046<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Irregular<\/td>\nUse the proper forms<\/td>\n\u3059\u308b \u2192 \u3057\u3088\u3046; \u6765\u308b \u2192 \u6765\u3088\u3046<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n

\u6620\u753b\u3092\u898b\u3088\u3046\u3002<\/strong>
Eiga o miy\u014d.<\/em>
Let's watch a movie.<\/p>\n\n

The simple form is natural among close people. It also participates in intention constructions, such as \u65e5\u672c\u8a9e\u3092\u52c9\u5f37\u3057\u3088\u3046\u3068\u601d\u3044\u307e\u3059 (\u201cI'm thinking of studying Japanese\u201d). To review the casual register that serves as the basis for these conjugations, see the simple form of Japanese verbs<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n

Mini dialogue with \u307e\u305b\u3093\u304b and \u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046<\/h2>\n\n

A:<\/strong> \u65e5\u66dc\u65e5\u3001\u3044\u3063\u3057\u3087\u306b\u6620\u753b\u3092\u898b\u306b\u884c\u304d\u307e\u305b\u3093\u304b\u3002
Nichiy\u014dbi, issho ni eiga o mi ni ikimasen ka.<\/em>
Would you like to go to the movies with me on Sunday?<\/p>\n\n

B:<\/strong> \u3044\u3044\u3067\u3059\u306d\u3002\u884c\u304d\u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046\u3002
Ii desu ne. Ikimash\u014d.<\/em>
Good idea. Let's eat.<\/p>\n\n

A:<\/strong> \u4f55\u6642\u306b\u4f1a\u3044\u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046\u304b\u3002
Nanji ni aimash\u014d ka.<\/em>
What time shall we meet?<\/p>\n\n

B:<\/strong> \u4e09\u6642\u306b\u99c5\u3067\u4f1a\u3044\u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046\u3002
Sanji ni eki de aimash\u014d.<\/em>
Let's meet at the station at three o'clock.<\/p>\n\n

The dialogue follows a natural sequence: invitation with \u307e\u305b\u3093\u304b, acceptance with \u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046, joint decision with \u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046\u304b, and confirmation of the plan with \u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046.<\/p>\n\n

Common mistakes with \u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046<\/h2>\n\n