4. 2 Basic verb forms - ～dictionary、～ます
There are many ways to conjugate verbs, but here we will focus on two present tense forms: "dictionary form" (also known as "plain form") and " ~masu form" (also known as "polite form")
Note
Switching between these two verb forms does not change the meaning of the verb but the dictionary form is more casual.
- The dictionary form gets its name because it is what is found in the dictionary.
- The dictionary form verbs ends in -u and many end in -ru.
- The masu form verbs are so called because they always end in -masu in the present tense.
Examples
| Dictionary Form | -Masu Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
|
|
Both mean "to eat" |
|
|
to drink |
|
|
to run |
|
|
to do (this is one of the 2 irregular verbs) |
You will notice some other changes between the two forms. I would recommend learning about the three verb groups here, but for our purposes right now, just memorize a few examples and try to find patterns with other verbs. And remember: Mistake making is memory making! (As long as you correct yourself, of course.)
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