By placing ましょう onto the end of the verb stem, it means Let's + the verb. The verb stem is obtained by removing the -masu ending from the long form.
Alternatively, this pattern is also often used as a polite way to suggest doing some activity. It is the equivalent of Shall we + the verb? in English. See the table below for some example sentences using this pattern.
| English | Japanese |
|---|---|
| Let's play videogames. | テレビゲーム を しましょう。terebigeemu o shimashou. |
| Shall we eat sushi? | 寿司 を 食べましょう か？sushi o tabemashou ka? |
| Let's drink tea at the restaurant. | レストラン で お茶 を 飲みましょう。resutoran de ocha o nomimashou. |
| Shall we go? | 行きましょう か？ikimashou ka? |
