Signification
A suggestion or recommendation, asking for an opinion on a course of action.
Contexte culturel
Indirectness is key. Even when giving advice, Japanese people often use '〜てみる' (try doing) with '〜たらどうですか' to make it even softer. In meetings, suggestions are often phrased as questions to avoid appearing as if one is imposing their will on the group. Parents use the casual '〜たら？' frequently with children, but it can sound like a nagging command if the tone is sharp. On Japanese forums, users often use this phrase to help strangers, but they usually add '〜てみては？' for a more polite, distant feel.
Add '〜てみる'
Always try to use '〜てみたらどうですか' instead of just '〜たらどうですか'. It adds a layer of 'try it out and see', which is much more natural and polite.
The 'Boss' Rule
If you must suggest something to a boss, use '〜てみてはいかがでしょうか' or '〜てみるのはどうでしょうか'.
Signification
A suggestion or recommendation, asking for an opinion on a course of action.
Add '〜てみる'
Always try to use '〜てみたらどうですか' instead of just '〜たらどうですか'. It adds a layer of 'try it out and see', which is much more natural and polite.
The 'Boss' Rule
If you must suggest something to a boss, use '〜てみてはいかがでしょうか' or '〜てみるのはどうでしょうか'.
Wait for the cue
Don't offer advice unless the person has expressed a problem or asked for help. Unsolicited advice can be seen as intrusive.
Teste-toi
Complete the suggestion using the verb in parentheses.
{疲|つか}れているなら、{早|はや}く ( {寝|ね}る ) 〜たらどうですか？
You must use the past short form (Ta-form) before 'ra'.
Which of these is the most appropriate way to suggest a book to a friend?
Which sentence is correct?
The first option follows the correct grammar: Ta-form + ra + dou desu ka.
Match the problem with the best suggestion.
Problem: 'I want to learn Japanese faster.'
Watching anime is a relevant suggestion for learning Japanese.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: {道|みち}に{迷|まよ}いました。 B: {交番|こうばん}で ______ どうですか？
The context requires the past form of 'kiku' (to ask) + 'ra'.
Identify the WRONG usage.
Which of these is socially incorrect?
You should never give direct advice like this to a superior.
🎉 Score : /5
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
5 exercices{疲|つか}れているなら、{早|はや}く ( {寝|ね}る ) 〜たらどうですか？
You must use the past short form (Ta-form) before 'ra'.
Which sentence is correct?
The first option follows the correct grammar: Ta-form + ra + dou desu ka.
Problem: 'I want to learn Japanese faster.'
Watching anime is a relevant suggestion for learning Japanese.
A: {道|みち}に{迷|まよ}いました。 B: {交番|こうばん}で ______ どうですか？
The context requires the past form of 'kiku' (to ask) + 'ra'.
Which of these is socially incorrect?
You should never give direct advice like this to a superior.
🎉 Score : /5
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsNo, it's better to avoid it. Use '〜てはいかがでしょうか' instead.
It's not rude, but it's very casual. Use it only with close friends or family.
'〜ほうがいい' is a stronger recommendation, almost like 'you should'. '〜たらどうですか' is a softer 'how about...?'
No. For invitations like 'Why don't we go?', use '〜ませんか'.
Expressions liées
〜ほうがいい
similarIt's better to...
〜てはいかがですか
specialized formHow about...?
〜なさい
contrastDo [action].
〜てみませんか
similarWon't you try...?
〜ればいい
similarYou should just...
