Polite Form · Most common verb conjugation
Used for polite expressions — the foundation of everyday Japanese conversation. Suitable for speaking to teachers, elders, in business settings, and when meeting someone for the first time.
Simplified heuristic — may be inaccurate for some irregular verbs
Example: 猫を 見ます。（I look at the cat）
| Type | Dictionary form | Rule | ます form |
|---|---|---|---|
Godan | 書く | う-row → い-row + ます | 書きます |
Godan | 飲む | う-row → い-row + ます | 飲みます |
Godan | 話す | う-row → い-row + ます | 話します |
Ichidan | 食べる | Drop る + ます | 食べます |
Ichidan | 見る | Drop る + ます | 見ます |
Irregular | する | Special | します |
Irregular | 来る | Special | 来ます |
Present/future positive form. Used for polite statements about facts or habits.
Structure: Subject + verb ます
Present/future negative form. Indicates not doing something.
Structure: Subject + verb ません
Past positive form. Indicates something was done.
Structure: Subject + verb ました
Past negative form. Indicates something was not done in the past.
Structure: Subject + verb ませんでした
Select the correct ます form
Select the correct ます form
Select the correct ます form
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