Dictionary Form Basics

Recognize the plain dictionary form of verbs and connect it to polite forms you already know.

Understand what the dictionary form is and why it matters.Match common ます-form verbs to their dictionary forms.Read simple sentences that use basic plain-form verbs.

Guided study

What the Dictionary Form Is

The dictionary form is the base form used in dictionaries and many plain-style sentences. It is also the form used before several grammar patterns that come later in the course.

たべます → たべる

eat (polite) → eat (dictionary form)

This is the plain form shown in dictionaries.

のみます → のむ

drink (polite) → drink (dictionary form)

Many godan dictionary forms end in a u-row sound.

いきます → いく

go (polite) → go (dictionary form)

いく is the plain dictionary form of いきます.

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