BackGrammar JLPT Level N4 - Lesson 29
Structure of たらどう:
Verb［たら］+ どう + （だ）？
Verb［たら］+ どう + （か）？
Verb［たら］ ？
Details about たらどう:
When the conjunction particle たら is used before the adverb どう, it primarily presents a situation, then asks a question about it potentially happening. This construction can be translated as 'why don't you (A)?', or 'what if you did (A)?'. Realistically, it just means 'when (A), how about that?'. It is often used for giving advice.
To use this expression, convert the verb that you want to use into its たら form, and then add どう.
To use this expression, convert the verb that you want to use into its たら form, and then add どう.
- 食べる量を減らしたらどう？Why don't you reduce the amount you eat?
- テレビがつかないの？叩いてみたらどう。Your TV doesn't turn on? Why don't you try hitting it?
- 暇なら外に行ったら？If you are bored, why don't you go outside?
- 警察に電話をしてみたらどうだ。Why don't you try calling the police?
- 苦いなら砂糖を入れたらどうか。If it is bitter, why don't you add some sugar?
たらどう
Usage Notes for たらどう:
Despite being used for giving advice, たらどう may be interpreted as criticism. Due to this, care will need to be taken with your tone of voice.
- たまには頭を使ったらどう？Why don't you use your head occasionally? (You should try thinking for once)
Synonyms for たらどう:
ませんか
Won't you, Would you not, Why don't we
たほうがいい
It'd be better to, Should do
たら
When, From when, Just when, If
たらいい・といい
It would be nice if, It would be good if, Should, I hope
Example of たらどう
公園に遊びに行ったらどうですか。
Why don't you go to play in the park?
あそこのゴミを拾ったらどうですか。
Why don't you go pick up that garbage over there?
ダイエットをしてみたらどう？
Why don't you try dieting?
そんなに彼が好きだったら、付き合ったらどう？
If you like him that much, why don't you go out with him?
日本に居て寂しいなら、アメリカに帰ったらどう？
If you feel lonely in Japan, why don't you go back to America?
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