The Bunpo of Masho^

Let's Do Something in Japanese

Today's bunpo will show us how to say, "let's verb" in Japanese. Then we can put this construction into question form by adding ka so that we will be able to invite or persuade someone to verb with us by asking, "shall we verb. . . ? Two polite forms of this grammar and their construction is as follows

Verb (Base II) masho^**** - Let's verb! and

Verv (Base II) masho^ ka? - Shall we verb?

**** Please note that in Ghetto Grammar the carat ^ is used to indicate long vowels i.e. a^ i^ u^ e^ o^.

To say, "Let's verb" in Japanese politely, you take any verb, ichidan or yo^dan, put it into base II, then add masho^ and presto! Instant langauge skills. The Masho^ bunpo is another very useful plug and play grammar principle that can help you in your daily Japanese conversations. Towards better Japanese in 9 months with 130 lessons using modern grammar principles using old school techniques.

Ex. 1. Let's go to eat sushi somewhere. - Dokka no sushiyasan de tabe ni ikimashou!

Ex. 1a. Shall we go eat sushi somewhere? Dokka no sushiyasan in ikimashou ka?

Ex. 2. Let's play baseball! - Yakkyu o yarimashou!

Ex. 2a. Shall we play baseball? Yakkyu o Yarimashou ka?

Ex. 3. Let's go check it out! Itte mimasho!

Ex. 3a. Wanna go check it out (The basebal game or whatever)? Itte miyo^ ka?

In example 3a, the familiar form yo^ is used in place of the masho^. This is used only when you are with close friends and is considered less polite.

As always, Do Your Best! Ganbatte Ne!

Makurasuki sensei and the Japanese Grammarian Logic Society of So Cal.