Verb Volitional Form
Learn how to form and use the Volitional form for suggestions and expressing intentions.
Introduction to the Volitional Form
The Volitional Form is the casual way to say 'let's' or 'I'll': 食べよう (let's eat), 行こう (let's go), しよう (let's do it). It is the informal equivalent of ～ましょう.
This form has two main uses. As a suggestion, it invites someone to do something together: 映画を見よう (let's watch a movie). As an expression of intention, it describes what the speaker plans to do, especially with 〜ようと思う: 日本語を勉強しようと思う (I'm thinking of studying Japanese). There is a subtle but important difference between 〜ようと思う (I'm thinking I will) and 〜ようと思っている (I've been thinking of / I've decided to) — the latter implies a more settled intention.
The rules for forming the Volitional form vary by verb group.
For Group 1 verbs, change the final ~u sound to its corresponding ~o sound and add う (creating a long vowel).
| Dictionary Form | Volitional Form |
|---|---|
買うかう | 買おうかおう |
待つまつ | 待とうまとう |
帰るかえる | 帰ろうかえろう |
飲むのむ | 飲もうのもう |
死ぬしぬ | 死のうしのう |
遊ぶあそぶ | 遊ぼうあそぼう |
書くかく | 書こうかこう |
泳ぐおよぐ | 泳ごうおよごう |
話すはなす | 話そうはなそう |
行くいく | 行こういこう |
Conjugation Examples
- It's already 11 o'clock, so let's sleep.
もう11時だから、寝よう。
- Since work is over, let's go for a drink.
仕事が終わってから、飲みに行こうよ。
- Shall I help you?
手伝おうか。
In casual speech, the Volitional form is used like '~mashou' (let's do...) or '~mashou ka' (shall I/we...).
Examples
- It's already 11 o'clock, so let's sleep.
もう11時だから、寝よう。
- Since work is over, let's go for a drink.
仕事が終わってから、飲みに行こうよ。
- Shall I help you?
手伝おうか。
Volitional + と思う expresses what the speaker is thinking of doing — a plan or intention that hasn't happened yet.
[volitional form] + と思う / と思っている
- 行こうと思う (I'm thinking of going)
- 勉強しようと思う (I'm thinking of studying)
- 転職しようと思っている (I've been thinking of changing jobs)
This is one of the most common ways to talk about your plans in Japanese. It's softer than a direct statement of intention — rather than 'I will do X,' it says 'I'm thinking I'll do X.'
Examples
- I'm thinking of going to Japan next year.
来年、日本に行こうと思います。
- I've been thinking of changing jobs.
転職しようと思っている。
- I think I'll go to bed early today.
今日は早く寝ようと思う。
- I've been thinking of going to graduate school.
大学院に進もうと思っています。
Volitional + とする expresses an attempt to do something — trying to perform an action, often with the implication that it was difficult or didn't succeed.
[volitional form] + とする
- ようとした (past) — tried to do / was about to do (often implies failure or interruption)
- ようとしている (progressive) — is trying to do / is about to do (action in progress)
- ようとしない (negative) — refuses to try / won't attempt to
This pattern is commonly used for:1. Failed attempts: 開けようとしたが、開かなかった (I tried to open it, but it wouldn't open)2. Interrupted actions: 寝ようとした時、電話が鳴った (just as I was about to sleep, the phone rang)3. Ongoing attempts: 赤ちゃんが立とうとしている (the baby is trying to stand)
Examples
- I tried to open the door, but it was locked.
ドアを開けようとしたが、鍵がかかっていた。
- Just as I was about to talk to her, the phone rang.
彼女に話しかけようとした時、電話が鳴った。
- The child is trying to open the fridge.
子供が冷蔵庫を開けようとしている。
- I tried to run away, but I was caught.
逃げようとしたが、捕まった。