～たら どうですか

When to use

Neutral suggestion, 'why don't you' (聞いたらどうですか). Polite: たらいかがですか.

Explanation

The ～たら どうですか grammar point is used to make a suggestion or give advice to someone. It can be translated as 'what if', 'how about', or 'why don't you' in English. This structure is used with the た-form of verbs to make a gentle, polite suggestion.

• スキーに行いったらどうですか？

  How about going skiing?

  Sukii ni ittara doudesuka?

• 少すこし休やすんだらどうですか？

  What if you take a little break?

  Sukoshi yasundara doudesuka?

• この本ほんを読よんだらどうですか？

  Why don't you read this book?

  Kono hon wo yondara doudesuka?

• タクシーで帰かえったらどうですか？

  How about going home by taxi?

  Takushii de kaettara doudesuka?

Should (Advice / Expectation)

• ～たらいい〜tara iiN4Expressing a desire or suggestion for a particular…
• ～ばいい〜ba iiN4Express a suggestion or advice; 'should', 'it would be…
• ～ことだ〜koto daN3Expresses advice or recommendation; 'should', 'it is…
• ～はずだ〜hazu daN3Expresses an expectation, 'should' or 'it is supposed to'.
• ～ものだ〜mono daN2Expresses something natural or expected; 'it is normal…
• ～といい〜to iiN4Express a wish or hope; 'I hope', 'it would be good if'.
• ～たら いかがですか〜tara ikaga desu kaN4Making polite suggestions; 'how about if', 'what if', 'it…
• Verb たほうがいい〜ta hou ga iiN4Used to give advice or make a suggestion to someone -…
• ～べきだ〜beki daN3Express an obligation or something that should be done…
• ～に越したことはない〜ni koshita koto wa naiN1Expresses that something is the best or most desirable…

Compare when to use each