Verb conjugations are all the different forms of a verb which show number, person, tense, etc. For example, the conjugation of the English verb to sing includes the forms sing, sings, singing, sang, and sung.

All Japanese verbs (with the exception of two irregular verbs, suru and kuru) belong to one of two different groups. These verb groups are usually referred to as

(1)

the -ru verb, or the consonant conjugation, and

(2)

the -u verb, or the vowel conjugation.

These two verb groups are different but regular. To be able to conjugate a Japanese verb correctly, you must know its plain form. The plain form is also called the dictionary form because verb entries in Japanese dictionaries are given in this form. Beginning in Lesson 47 (JPN I), both the -masu form and the plain form for each new verb are given in the Vocabulary section. The dictionary form consists of a root and an ending.

THE -MASU FORM

Different forms of the same Japanese verb can indicate different levels of politeness. The -masu form, which is sometimes called the non-past, polite form, is used when speaking with people to whom you wish to show respect because they are older or more important than you or because you do not know them very well.

You can arrive at the -masu form from the plain form. For -ru verbs, drop the -ru ending and add -masu. For -u verbs, drop the -u and add -i and then -masu.

In the conjugation of -u verbs, certain sound changes may occur.

The -masu form of the irregular verbs suru and kuru are shimasu and kimasu, respectively.

Te invitation –masen-ka (Would you like to ~?) form and –mashoo (Let’s ~.) form can be made by replacing –masu. (J I L. 54)

© Georgia Public Broadcasting 2005 APPENDIX 4

VERB TENSES

Japanese verbs have two basic tenses: non-past and past. The non-past tense is used to talk about habitual, present actions and events as well as future actions and events. Use the –masu (affirmative) form or the –masen form (negative) for the non-past tense. The past tense is used to express actions and events in the past. Use the -mashita form (affirmative) or the –masen deshita form (negative) for the past tense.

THE -TE FORM

The -te form is an important verb form since it is used in polite commands, in series of actions, in progressive tenses, and in other constructions.

Moo ichido itte kudasai. Please say it again. Uchi-ni kaette, ban-gohan-o tabete, I returned home, ate dinner, watched

To make the -te form of a -ru verb, simply replace the -ru with -te.

Making the -te form of -ru verbs is more complicated because of a number of sound changes which occur. Although these changes are regular and follow certain rules, you may find it easier to simply memorize the changes shown in the chart below. Think of verbs you already know as you learn the sound changes.

© Georgia Public Broadcasting 2005 APPENDIX 5 The -te forms of the irregular verbs suru and kuru are shite and kite, respectively.

THE PLAIN FORM

The plain form is used instead of polite form (-masu form) in conversations between family members and close friends.

All four conjugations of plain verbs and how to form them are shown in the chart below.