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Polite present/future
Definition
The polite present/future form "〜ます" is used to express habitual actions in the present and future plans. It is formed by attaching "ます" to the verb stem (masu-stem). This form is used in formal and polite contexts to show respect to the listener. The nuance of this form is to convey a sense of politeness and formality, making it suitable for use in situations where you want to be respectful or courteous.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Masu-stem | Verb stem + ます | 食べる (taberu) + ます = 食べます (tabemasu) |
| Irregular masu-stem | Special verb form + ます | する (suru) + ます = します (shimasu) |
| Masu-stem with -u verb | -u verb stem + ます | 食べる (taberu) + ます = 食べます (tabemasu) |
Examples
私は毎朝コーヒーを飲みます。
Watashi wa mainichi kōhī o nomimasu.
I drink coffee every morning.
私は (I) + 毎朝 (every morning) + コーヒーを (coffee) + 飲みます (drink) = 私は毎朝コーヒーを飲みます (I drink coffee every morning)
明日、友だちに会います。
Ashita, tomodachi ni aimasu.
I will meet my friend tomorrow.
明日 (tomorrow) + 友だちに (friend) + 会います (meet) = 明日、友だちに会います (I will meet my friend tomorrow)
先生に「毎日、日本語を勉強しますか」と聞かれました。
Sensei ni "mainichi, nihongo o benkyō shimasu ka" to kikare mashita.
The teacher asked me "Do you study Japanese every day?"
先生に (teacher) + 毎日 (every day) + 日本語を (Japanese) + 勉強します (study) + か (question particle) =先生に「毎日、日本語を勉強しますか」と聞かれました (The teacher asked me "Do you study Japanese every day?"
私は毎週テレビを観ます。
Watashi wa maiitsu terebi o mimasu.
I watch TV every week.
私は (I) + 毎週 (every week) + テレビを (TV) + 観ます (watch) = 私は毎週テレビを観ます (I watch TV every week)
明日、旅行に行きます。
Ashita, ryokō ni ikimasu.
I will go on a trip tomorrow.
明日 (tomorrow) + 旅行 (trip) + 行きます (go) = 明日、旅行に行きます (I will go on a trip tomorrow)
Context
The polite present/future form "〜ます" is used in formal and polite contexts to show respect to the listener. It is suitable for use in situations where you want to be respectful or courteous. This form is often used in business settings, when speaking to someone who is older or in a position of authority, or when expressing gratitude or apology.
Watch out
The polite past form "〜ました" is used to express past actions, not the polite present/future form "〜ます".
The polite negative form "〜ません" is used to express negative meanings, not the polite present/future form "〜ます".
The polite form "〜ます" is used in formal and polite contexts, while the casual dictionary form is used in informal contexts.
Strategy
When answering JLPT N5 questions, pay attention to the context and use the correct form of "〜ます". Make sure to use the polite present/future form in formal and polite contexts, and the polite past form "〜ました" or polite negative form "〜ません" in other contexts.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N5 test-style questions. Each sentence shows 〜ます used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
私は毎朝コーヒーを飲みます。
Pattern used: 飲みます
毎朝 (every morning) signals a habitual present action. 〜ます is the correct polite present form.
明日、友だちに会います。
Pattern used: 会います
明日 (tomorrow) indicates a future action. 〜ます covers both present habitual and future in polite speech.
先生に「毎日、日本語を勉強しますか。」と聞かれました。
Pattern used: します
The teacher is asking politely about a habitual action (毎日). The polite present form します is appropriate in this formal context.
Interactive
私は毎朝コーヒーを______。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.