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Beginner #34 - Why でも in the example sentence?

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watermen
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Beginner #34 - Why でも in the example sentence?

Postby watermen » February 18th, 2008 5:16 pm

Here is an example sentence in the PDF of beginner lesson #34.

今日は天気いいし、ピクニックにでも行きましょう。
Why is でも used in this sentence, what does it mean here?

Javizy
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Postby Javizy » February 18th, 2008 5:43 pm

In this use, it indicates one option, like the English 'or something'. It's common when making a suggestion, and allows the listener to suggest something else.

ピクニックにでも行きましょう
Let's go on a picnic or something.

映画でも見に行こうか
Shall we go see a movie or something?

In casual conversations, you can use だって, which you can use anywhere you would use でも, with the additional sentence-starting use of 'the reason is, that's because'.

すしだって食いたい?
Want some sushi or somethin'?

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Bucko
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Postby Bucko » February 18th, 2008 6:46 pm

Javizy is correct, but I'm surprised it appears in a beginner lesson.

それならバーにでも行かない?
飲むの好き?
Then why don't we go to a bar or something?
Do you like to drink?

トイレにでも行きたいのか?
You want to go to the toilet or something?

Also, did you copy down the sentence properly? I would have thought が should be in there...

今日は天気がいいし

watermen
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Joined: October 3rd, 2007 7:47 pm

Postby watermen » February 19th, 2008 8:38 am

皆さん、ありがとうございます。

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