Dictionary Form
Learn the most basic form of Japanese verbs and how to use it to express ability, nominalize verbs, and describe sequences.
Introduction to Dictionary Form
The Dictionary Form is the plain form of verbs used in dictionaries. It is also the base for many common grammar patterns.
Verb Categories
Japanese verbs are divided into three groups based on their conjugation patterns. Knowing the group is essential for understanding how verbs change.
These verbs end in one of nine 'u' sounds (u, ku, gu, su, tsu, nu, bu, mu, ru). They are called 'Godan' because their stem can change across five vowels.
| Verb | Hiragana | Romaji |
|---|---|---|
| 買う | かう | kau |
| 待つ | まつ | matsu |
| 帰る | かえる | kaeru |
| 飲む | のむ | nomu |
| 死ぬ | しぬ | shinu |
| 遊ぶ | あそぶ | asobu |
| 書く | かく | kaku |
| 泳ぐ | およぐ | oyogu |
| 話す | はなす | hanasu |
| 行く | いく | iku |
Conjugation Examples
- I will buy a book tomorrow.
明日、本を買う。
- I will wait for my friend at the station.
駅で友達を待つ。
- I drink water every day.
毎日水を飲む。
- I speak in Japanese.
日本語で話す。
~ことが できる (Ability)
Used to express what one can do or is able to do.
Examples
- Mr. Smith can play the piano.
スミスさんはピアノを弾くことができる。
- You can practice Kanji here.
ここで漢字を練習することができる。
~ことだ (Nominalization)
Used to turn a verb into a noun clause, often to describe hobbies or dreams (informal/plain).
Examples
- My hobby is collecting stamps.
私の趣味は切手を集めることだ。
- My dream is to work abroad.
将来の夢は外国で働くことだ。
~前に (Before)
Used to describe an action that happens before another action.
Examples
- Please call before coming here.
こちらへ来る前に、電話をかけてください。
- I take a shower before sleeping.
寝る前にシャワーを浴びる。
辞書形 + な (Negative Command)
The Negative Command (禁止形) is used to forbid someone from doing an action. It is very blunt and often used in emergency warnings or on signs.
The rule is simple for all verb groups: simply add な to the end of the Dictionary Form.
Examples
- Don't enter here.
ここに入るな。
- Don't touch! It's hot!
触るな！熱いぞ！
- Don't drink too much alcohol.
お酒を飲みすぎるな。
- Don't run in the hallway.
廊下を走るな。