たらどうか
Frequent Usages
- 一度やってみたらどうか – "Why don’t you try it once?"
- もっと勉強したらどうか – "Why don’t you study more?"
- 先生に相談したらどうか – "Why don’t you consult the teacher?"
- 早く寝たらどうか – "Why don’t you go to bed early?"
- 新しい趣味を始めたらどうか – "Why don’t you start a new hobby?"
Meaning and Usage
たらどうか is a common Japanese expression used to suggest or encourage someone to take action, typically in a gentle, friendly way. It translates to "Why don’t you…", "How about…", or "I think it would be good if you…" in English. This phrase can imply that the speaker thinks the action is a good idea or worth considering, but it is less forceful than directly telling someone what to do.
Common Meanings
- Polite Suggestion: Offers a friendly or gentle recommendation, often implying that the speaker thinks the action is in the listener’s best interest.
- Encouragement: Used to encourage someone to try or consider an action without sounding demanding.
たらどうか is versatile and can be used in both casual and polite contexts, though it is usually best for conversations where a more gentle approach is appropriate. Adding どうですか (e.g., たらどうですか) can increase the politeness.
Form
- Verb (た形) + らどうか
- 一度行ってみたらどうか
いちどいってみたらどうか
"Why don’t you go and see?"
Examples with たらどうか
- 一度やってみたらどうか
いちどやってみたらどうか
"Why don’t you try it once?" - もっと勉強したらどうか
もっとべんきょうしたらどうか
"Why don’t you study more?" - 先生に相談したらどうか
せんせいにそうだんしたらどうか
"Why don’t you consult the teacher?" - 早く寝たらどうか
はやくねたらどうか
"Why don’t you go to bed early?" - 運動を始めたらどうか
うんどうをはじめたらどうか
"Why don’t you start exercising?"
When to Use たらどうか
- Suggesting a Course of Action: たらどうか is ideal for making suggestions when you want to propose a possible course of action in a gentle, non-pushy way. This tone is suitable for friends, family, or acquaintances when you think an action might help or benefit them.
- Encouraging Consideration: This phrase is often used to encourage someone to consider trying something without directly telling them what to do. It’s softer than using commands or imperatives.
- Softening Advice: たらどうか softens the advice so that it sounds less forceful or demanding, making it appropriate for giving ideas or options in a conversational tone.
Key Points to Remember
- Gentle and Non-Forceful: たらどうか suggests rather than commands, making it polite and friendly.
- Used for Offering Ideas: This phrase is useful for providing options without pressuring someone to follow your suggestion.
- Versatile Use: It can be made more polite with どうですか (たらどうですか) for formal situations.
Example Sentences
- 仕事で疲れているなら、早く休んだらどうか
しごとでつかれているなら、はやくやすんだらどうか
"If you’re tired from work, why don’t you rest early?" - たまには外食したらどうか**
たまにはがいしょくしたらどうか
"Why don’t you eat out for a change?" - 英語の勉強を始めたらどうか**
えいごのべんきょうをはじめたらどうか
"Why don’t you start studying English?" - お金を貯めることを考えたらどうか**
おかねをためることをかんがえたらどうか
"Why don’t you consider saving money?" - 運動不足なら、ジムに通いたらどうか**
うんどうぶそくなら、ジムにかよいたらどうか
"If you’re not getting enough exercise, why don’t you try going to the gym?"
Using たらどうか is a helpful way to offer suggestions, encouragement, or friendly advice without putting too much pressure on the listener, making it a versatile expression in both casual and polite contexts.
