〜ようではないか
Meanings
- Let's do something
- Why don't we do ~
- Shall we ~?
About this pattern
Explanation
〜ようではないか is a strong, sometimes slightly masculine exhortation used to propose a course of action. It pairs the volitional form of a verb (or a related suggestion) with ではないか to turn the statement into a friendly challenge or invitation. It carries a sense of “Let’s …” or “Why don’t we …” and is common in group situations, workplaces, or when addressing friends or juniors. It can sound motivational, motivational, or even rhetorical, depending on tone. Typical contexts include proposing a plan, encouraging action, or nudging others to agree on a course of action. The form is most natural with verbs in the volitional (行こう、しよう、やろう), but extended usages with nouns or な-adjectives occasionally appear in more formal or literary speech in the pattern of a proposal or suggestion.
Learn in context
Example sentences
Shall we go? / Let’s go.
Let’s solve this problem. / Why don’t we solve this problem?
Let’s all work together.
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More N2 patterns
to be able to; can; possible to do
View detailsUnable to; Cannot; Cannot possibly
View detailsCan't help doing; Have no choice but to...
View detailsto not ~; un~; archaic negative form of ず used in literary Japanese
View detailsWith the intention of doing; Instead of...; Act as if or pretend; Believing that...; Thinking that...
View detailsanyhow; at any rate; in any case; I have no doubt that; probably
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