Verbs

In Japanese verbs can be conjugated like in English. But there are only two tenses: the past and the non-past tense, which is used for both present and future sentences.

Unlike the English verbs, Japanse verbs also include the “politeness-level”.

The endings are appended after the stem form of a verb.

Present-Polite

To say something in the present in a polite way, -masu is appended to the stem form. If the meaning should be negated then -masen is appended, which translates to “not <verb>” Here are some Examples:

Stem-Form	positive	negative	Translation
iki	ikimasu	ikimasen	gehen
tabe	tabemasu	tabemasen	essen
shi	shimasu	shimasen	do / play

Shimasu-Verbs

With the “verb” shimasu you can turn a noun into a verb.

benkyo = study

benkyo shimasu = to study

renshu = practice

renshu shimasu = to practice

ryori = cooking

ryori shimasu = to cook

This can’t be done with every noun. Here is an (incomplete) list:

• benkyo = study

• ryoko = vacation / trip / travel

• denwa = phone / call

• renshu = practice

• ryori = cooking / cuisine

Imasu vs Arimasu (To Be, To Have, etc)

Both imasu and arimasu can be used to say that something exits or something will happen. The difference is that imasu is used with animate object while arimasu with inanimate object.

As a general rule: If it can move on its own, use imasu else ariamsu.

Asoko ni Neko ga imasu. = There is a cat over there (animate).

Neko wa asoko ni imasu. = The cat is over there.

Konbini ga arimasu. = There is a convenience store (inanimate).

Terebi ga arimasu. = (I) have a TV. / There is a TV.

Imoto ga imasu. = (I) have a younger sister. / There is a younger sister. (makes less sense)

Ashita tesuto ga arimasu. = There (will) be a test tomorrow.

Depending on the context imasu and arimasu can say what you own/have, a “There is x” sentence or that something will happen in the future.

Additionaly a place can be specified by placing <place> ni in the sentence. (For more details see Mark a Place)