Japanese Verbs - Understanding The Multiple Forms

In Japanese there are many forms for each of the verb, and the way in which they are conjugated or made is broken down depending on the stem of the verb, and the stems are broken into 3 different groups, this page doesnt focus on that but more on the meaning of each conjugation (this will cover a good base but not every conjugation).


First Form

Present Indicative - This form is used for the base general meaning (to go, to meet etc) This form has both a positive and negative, with the negative being (to not go, to not meet etc)

example: 私はかれに会うに行った (Watashi Wa Kare Ni Au Ni Itta) (Au - To Meet) (I went to meet him)


Second Form

Past Indicative - This form is used to represent having done an action, the action having taken place already (Went, Met etc). This again has a negative and positive form with negative being (Didnt go, Didnt meet etc).

Same example applies from above, using Itta the past indicative form of "to go", combines with the present of to meet to make the sentence.


Third Form.

Presumptive - This form is used to represent a feeling of probability, the belief that something will probably happen (Will probably go, Will Probably Meet), also has the negative for (Will probably not go, will probably not meet)

Example: Furedu Wa Nihon ni iku deshou (Iku Deshou - Probably go) (Fred Will Probably Go To Japan)


Fourth Form

Past Presumptive - This form is used to represent a past belief of probability, the belief that something Probably happened (Probably Went, Probably Met) also has a negative form to imply (Probably Didnt Go, Probably Didnt Meet)

Example (Furedo Wa Nihon ni ikimashita) - Fred Probably Went To Japan


Fifth Form

Present Progressive - This form is used to represent an action currently occurring (Writing, Sleeping), Has a negative form to imply not doing an action (not writing, not sleeping) This is usable for actions in progress, but not for future intent (Tomorrow Im Writing a story - Not Allowed)

Example (Tagame o kaite imasu) (kaite imasu - Writing) - Im writing a letter


Sixth Form

Past Progressive - This form indicates past continuous actions (Was Sleeping, Was Open), Also has a negative form for (Was not sleeping, Was not open)


Seventh Form

Provisional Conditional Form - Used for places where "if" applies, (If I meet, if I Go) Has a negative form to represent if something doesnt happen.

Example: If I Meet Him, We'll get lunch


Eighth Form

Conditional - Used for a range of Conditional and "If" meanings, "If it was a good book, i'd buy it" can be used for past implications etc, also has a negative form


Ninth Form

Potential Form - Implies the potential or ability to do something, (Can meet, Can go) Also has a negative (Cant meet, Cant Go)

Example - We Can Meet John


Tenth Form

Causative Form - Implies the idea of making or causing something, can also mean "let" / "Allow"

Example - John made me meet him or Please let me meet him


Eleventh Form

Passive Form - Is used when something happens to something / someone but the action is done by someone other than the speaker (He stole my wallet)

Can also be used to express regret / sadness in situations (when someones parents die etc)