Understanding Verb Conjugation in Japanese

Japanese verb conjugations.

Japanese verb conjugation is a fundamental aspect of mastering the language. In this unit, we will delve into the intricacies of verb conjugation, focusing on the present tense.

The Three Verb Groups

In Japanese, verbs are divided into three groups based on their dictionary form endings. These groups are:

1. Group 1 (U-verbs): These verbs end in a vowel followed by "ru", "tsu", "u", "nu", "mu", "ku", "gu", "su", or "bu". Examples include "kaku" (to write), "nomu" (to drink), and "hanasu" (to speak).

2. Group 2 (Ru-verbs): These verbs end in "iru" or "eru". Examples include "taberu" (to eat) and "miru" (to see).

3. Group 3 (Irregular verbs): This group includes only two verbs, "suru" (to do) and "kuru" (to come), which have unique conjugation rules.

Conjugating Verbs in the Present Tense

The present tense in Japanese can express both present and future actions. Here's how to conjugate verbs in the present tense for each group:

1. Group 1 (U-verbs): Replace the final "u" vowel sound with an "i" vowel sound. For example, "kaku" becomes "kaki", "nomu" becomes "nomi", and "hanasu" becomes "hanashi".

2. Group 2 (Ru-verbs): Simply remove the "ru". For example, "taberu" becomes "tabe" and "miru" becomes "mi".

3. Group 3 (Irregular verbs): "Suru" becomes "shi" and "kuru" becomes "ki".

Practice Conjugating Verbs

Now that you understand the rules, it's time to practice. Try conjugating the following verbs in the present tense:

1. Matsu (to wait)
2. Yomu (to read)
3. Kaeru (to return)
4. Suru (to do)
5. Kuru (to come)

Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you practice, the more natural verb conjugation will become. In the next unit, we will explore adjective conjugation.