JLPT N5 reference · Basic verbs
ます-form
The ます-form is a polite verb form used in neutral public, classroom, workplace, and unfamiliar social contexts. It carries tense and polarity but not person or number.
Core meaning and form
Ichidan verbs drop る and add ます. Godan verbs change the final u-row sound to its i-row counterpart before ます. する becomes します and 来る becomes 来ます.
- 食べる → 食べます.
- 書く → 書きます.
- する → します; 来る → 来ます.
Examples in context
日本語を勉強します。Nihongo o benkyō shimasu.I study Japanese.
父は新聞を読みません。Chichi wa shinbun o yomimasen.My father does not read newspapers.
九時に始まりました。Ku-ji ni hajimarimashita.It started at nine.
Common errors
- Do not add ます directly to the dictionary form.
- Do not mix a polite ます predicate with random plain-style endings.
Quick summary
- ます marks polite style, not future tense.
- Its ending changes for negative and past.
- The stem depends on the verb group.