JLPT N5 Grammar
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Polite present/future
Category: Verb Forms
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.
| 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) |
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)
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.
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.
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.
私は毎朝コーヒーを______。
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