「～ようではないか」—— Let's...

Explanation

In Japanese, ～ようではないか is a grammatical structure used to express strong exclamations or calls to action, often used to make suggestions, persuade, or encourage. It is equivalent to the English phrase "Let's...". This structure is frequently used in formal settings such as speeches or campaigns, carrying a strong sense of rallying or appeal.

Grammar Pattern

Grammar Point	Connection	Explanation
～ようではないか	Volitional form + ではないか	Used to express the speaker's intention and call for others to agree and participate, with a strong sense of appeal.

Basic Usage and Examples

～ようではないか is mainly used for suggestions and calls to action. Here are some common examples:

• 皆みなさん、協力きょうりょくしようではないか。
• Mina-san, kyōryoku shiyou de wa nai ka.
• Everyone, let's cooperate.
  

• この問題もんだいを解決かいけつしようではないか。
• Kono mondai o kaiketsu shiyou de wa nai ka.
• Let's solve this problem together.
  

Deep Dive

Usage in Formal Settings

This structure is often used in formal settings such as political speeches or company meetings:

• 国民こくみんの皆みなさん、一緒いっしょに我わが国くにを変かえようではないか。
• Kokumin no mina-san, issho ni waga kuni o kaeyou de wa nai ka.
• Fellow citizens, let's change our country together.
  

Comparison and Distinction

Comparison with 「～ましょう」

Both ～ようではないか and ～ましょう are used to make invitations or suggestions, but the former carries a stronger sense of appeal and rallying, while the latter is more polite and gentle.

Expression	Usage	Example	English Translation
～ようではないか	Formal settings, with a sense of rallying	一緒いっしょに行いこうではないか。	Let's go together.
～ましょう	Everyday conversation, more polite	一緒いっしょに行いきましょう。	Let's go together.

Real-Life Scenarios

Here are some examples from real-life conversations to help better understand and use this grammar point:

• 演講えんげんの一部いちぶ
  • 皆みなさん、我われ々がが直面ちょくめんしている問題もんだいに一緒いっしょに立たち向むかおうではないか！
  • Mina-san, wareware ga chokumen shite iru mondai ni issho ni tachimukaou de wa nai ka!
  • Everyone, let's face the problems we are confronting together!
    

Summary

～ようではないか is a Japanese grammatical structure used to express strong suggestions, persuasion, and encouragement, often used in formal settings. Through this explanation, you can better grasp this grammar point and use it naturally in appropriate situations.