たらどう・
Use this pattern to suggest an action by asking the listener to consider how that option would be. It often corresponds to “Why don't you...?” or “How about...?”
How the suggestion works
The action before たらどう is the option being proposed. Here, どう invites the listener to consider that option. A reason or reassuring follow-up often helps the advice sound genuinely supportive.
A supportive suggestion
最近、よく眠れないんです。
I haven't been sleeping well lately.
Analyze寝る前にスマホを見ないようにしたらどうですか。少し眠りやすくなるかもしれませんよ。
Why don't you try not looking at your phone before bed? It might make it a little easier to sleep.
AnalyzeThe follow-up explains why the suggestion may help, which keeps the tone warm.
Casual advice
顔色が悪いよ。今日は早く帰ったらどう？
You don't look well. Why don't you go home early today?
AnalyzeThe casual ending fits a conversation with someone familiar.
Suggesting that someone not do something
When not doing the action is the proposed option, use the negative past form before らどう. This works best when the context makes the alternative practical and considerate.
まだ熱があるなら、明日の会議には参加しなかったらどうですか。
If you still have a fever, why don't you skip tomorrow's meeting?
AnalyzeGiving advice versus asking for advice
たらどうですか gives the listener a suggestion. By contrast, a question word followed by たらいいですか asks the other person to recommend an action.
空港へはどの電車に乗ったらいいですか。
Which train should I take to the airport?
AnalyzeThe speaker is asking for advice, not giving it.
More examples
疲れているなら、今日は早く帰ったらどうですか。
If you're tired, why don't you go home early today?
Analyzeその問題は先生に相談したらどう？
Why don't you talk to the teacher about that problem?
Analyze気分転換に少し散歩したらどうか。
How about taking a short walk for a change of pace?
Analyze今回は無理に参加しなかったらどうですか。
Why don't you sit this one out instead of forcing yourself to participate?
Analyze決められないなら、一晩考えたらどうですか。
If you can't decide, why don't you think it over for a night?
Analyzeそんなに簡単だと言うなら、君が説明したらどう？
If you say it's that easy, why don't you explain it?
AnalyzeIn this context, the suggestion sounds challenging.