GRAMMAR TOOLS
Japanese Verb Forms
Japanese verbs change their endings depending on meaning and style.
First, check the verb type.
Then learn how the form changes.
Finally, use the checker to review and practice.
01
The 3 Verb Types
Japanese verbs are commonly divided into three types.
Ru-verbs
Ichidan verbs
Why?
Ru-verbs end in る in the dictionary form. You usually drop る before adding a new ending.
Note: not every verb ending in る is a Ru-verb.
Examples:
U-verbs
Godan verbs
Why?
U-verbs end in a final u-sound. The final sound changes when the verb conjugates.
Examples:
Irregular verbs
Special forms
Why?
These verbs do not follow the usual Ru-verb or U-verb patterns. Learn their forms as a set.
The two irregular verbs:
You may also see Ru-verbs = Ichidan verbs and U-verbs = Godan verbs.
Each verb type changes in a different way.
02
How to Make It
Choose a verb type and look at the part that changes.
03
Verb Form Checker
Check the full forms, or turn on Practice mode to test yourself.
たべる
to eat
Irregular verbs don’t follow the usual Ru-verb or U-verb patterns.
| AFFIRMATIVE | NEGATIVE | |
|---|---|---|
| POLITE PRESENT / FUTURE | ||
| POLITE PAST | ||
| PLAIN PRESENT / FUTURE | ||
| PLAIN PAST |
Dictionary form = plain, present / future affirmative.
TE-FORM
たべる → たべて
The te-form is used in many expressions.