Masu-form
Learn the polite present/future form of Japanese verbs and how to conjugate them from their basic form.
Introduction to Masu-form
The Masu-form is the polite form of verbs used in daily conversations when speaking with people who are not close friends or family. It is often the first form students learn because it allows for polite interaction from the start.
Conjugation from Dictionary Form
Rules for converting the plain Dictionary Form to the polite Masu-form vary by verb group.
For Group I verbs, replace the final -u vowel with -i and add ます.
| Dictionary Form | Masu Form |
|---|---|
う-vowel → i-vowel + ます | |
飲むのむ | 飲みますのみます |
書くかく | 書きますかきます |
泳ぐおよぐ | 泳ぎますおよぎます |
話すはなす | 話しますはなします |
待つまつ | 待ちますまちます |
死ぬしぬ | 死にますしにます |
遊ぶあそぶ | 遊びますあそびます |
帰るかえる | 帰りますかえります |
買うかう | 買いますかいます |
Conjugation Examples
- I drink tea every day.
毎日、お茶を飲みます。
- I write letters.
手紙を書きます。
- I swim in the sea.
海で泳ぎます。
- I talk with friends.
友達と話します。
~なさい (Polite Command)
The ~nasai form (〜なさい) represents a polite but firm command, often used by parents to children or teachers to students.Formation: Simply replace the ます of the Masu-form with なさい.Ex: 飲みます → 飲みなさい
Examples
- Listen to the teacher.
先生の話を聞きなさい。
- Go to bed early.
早く寝なさい。
- Eat your vegetables.
野菜を食べなさい。
- Look here.
ここを見なさい。