V-자 (proposition)
propose a shared action in casual speech
Form
Verbal root + -자 at the end of a sentence — “let’s… / let’s go”… ».
Function
An informal closing phrase that suggests or decides on a joint action.
Why this form?
-(으)ㄹ까? — « "Should we…?" / "Should we…?": a more interrogative statement that leaves more room for the other person's response ; -자 further reinforces the shared choice.
-(으)ㅂ시다 — « "Let's...": same general function, but a more formal or solemn tone ; -자 is natural among people who speak informally with one another or in a group self-study session.
Register and nuance
This is a casual sentence-final ending. It is spelled the same as temporal connective -자 “as soon as,” but it is a different morpheme with a different function.
Forms not to confuse
-(으)ㄹ까?
다른 사람들도 찾아볼까? — Shall we look for the others too?
-(으)ㅂ시다
다른 사람들을 찾아봅시다. — Let’s look for the others.
Examples
다른 사람들을 찾아보자. — Let’s look for the others.
우리 같이 가자. — Let’s go together.