ます-Form and Polite Verbs

Use the polite ます-form to talk about present and future actions in everyday beginner Japanese.

Recognize the role of ます in polite conversation and writing.Convert common verbs into the ます-form.Use ます-form verbs in complete polite beginner sentences.

Guided study

What the ます-Form Does

The ます-form is the standard polite verb form for beginner conversation, classroom Japanese, and many everyday exchanges. It is the safest form to use when speaking politely.

わたしはまいあさコーヒーをのみます。

I drink coffee every morning.

ます keeps the sentence polite and neutral.

あした友だちにあいます。

I will meet a friend tomorrow.

The time word tells you this polite verb refers to the future.

先生にしつもんします。

I ask the teacher a question.

します is the polite form of a する-verb.

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