Two Basic Verb Forms
2 Basic verb forms ～dictionary、～ます
There are many ways to change 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 : These do not change the meaning of the verb but that the dictionary form is a more casual.
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The dictionary form gets its name because it is what is found in the dictionary. |
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The dictionary form verbs ends in - u and many end in -ru |
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The masu form verbs are so called because they always end in -masu in the present tense |
EXAMPLES:
| Dictionary Form | -Masu Form | ||
| たべる tabe ru |
たべます tabe masu |
Both mean "to eat" | |
| のむ nom u |
のみます nomi masu |
to drink | |
| はしる hashi ru |
はしります hashiri masu |
to run | |
| する su ru |
します shi masu |
to do (this is one of the 2 irregular verbs) |
You will notice some other letter changes between the 2 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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