-자: Let's in Korean

The pattern -자 is attached to a verb stem to make a suggestion, similar to "Let's..." in English. It's a propositive ending, used when the speaker wants to do an activity together with the listener.

Formation

It's very simple to form. Just attach -자 directly to the verb stem, regardless of whether it ends in a vowel or a consonant.

Vowel stem: 가다 (to go) → 가 + 자 → 가자 (Let's go)

Consonant stem: 먹다 (to eat) → 먹 + 자 → 먹자 (Let's eat)

하다 verbs: 청소하다 (to clean) → 청소하 + 자 → 청소하자 (Let's clean)

Usage

This pattern is informal and is used with close friends, people of the same age, or people who are younger than you. It implies a sense of closeness and equality.

Negative Form

To suggest not doing something, use the pattern -지 말자.

싸우다 (to fight) → 싸우지 말자 (Let's not fight)

일단 먹고 보자. / 빨리 도망치자. / 싸우지 말고 사이좋게 지내자. / 내일 만나자.

The -자 pattern often appears with other words that help frame the suggestion.

일단 (For now / First)

일단 is used to suggest prioritizing one action before dealing with anything else. It adds a sense of "Let's just do this first and worry about the rest later."

Example: 일단 먹고 보자. (Let's just eat for now and see.)

~부터 (Starting with...)

Adding ~부터 to a noun emphasizes that this action should be the starting point.

Example: 일단 잠부터 자자. (Let's get some sleep first.)

우리 (We / Us)

While not always necessary, adding 우리 at the beginning clarifies that the suggestion is for the group, strengthening the "us" in "Let's..."

Example: 우리 그만 헤어지자. (Let's we break up.)

일단 먹고 보자. / 일단 잠부터 자자. / 우리 그만 헤어지자. / 빨리 하자.

While both -자 and -(으)ㄹ까(요)? are used for suggestions, they carry different nuances.

-자 (Let's...)

This is a direct proposal. The speaker has a clear idea and is stating it as a plan of action. It's more of a statement than a question.

Tone: Assertive, confident suggestion.

Example: 영화 보자. (Let's watch a movie.)

-(으)ㄹ까(요)? (Shall we...?)

This is a softer suggestion framed as a question. The speaker is proposing an idea but is also actively seeking the listener's opinion and agreement. It feels less like a command and more like an invitation to decide together.

Tone: Inquisitive, gentle suggestion.

Example: 영화 볼까? (Shall we watch a movie?)

Choosing between them depends on how assertive you want to be. -자 is for when you're pretty sure the other person will agree, while -(으)ㄹ까? is better for testing the waters.

우리 점심 먹자. / 우리 점심 먹을까? / 이제 집에 가자. / 이제 집에 갈까?

The -자 ending is strictly informal (반말). Using it with someone older, a superior, or a stranger would be considered rude. For polite suggestions, you have other options.

-자 (Casual)

This is the standard form you use with friends and peers. It's direct and friendly.

Example: 이제 그만하자. (Let's stop now.)

-아요/어요 (Polite)

In everyday conversation, the standard polite -아요/어요 ending is often used to make suggestions. The context and a slightly rising, inviting intonation make the meaning clear. This is a softer and more common alternative to the more formal -(으)ㅂ시다.

Example: 이제 그만해요. (Let's stop now.)

Notice how the same English translation can apply, but the Korean form signals a completely different relationship between the speakers.

일단 잠부터 자자. / 일단 잠부터 자요. / 우리 그만 헤어지자. / 우리 그만 헤어져요. / 청소하자. / 청소해요.