Top 10 Basic Japanese Verbs You Need To Know

Author: Mizuki Ichihira & Valeria  japanese M-Words

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When learning a new language, the first thing you should focus on is vocabulary.

Among them, verbs are surely one of the most important parts. Without them, you can’t understand what’s going on! That’s why you should memorize these 10 basic Japanese verbs if you want to learn Japanese!

Things to Remember About Japanese Verbs

In Japanese, verbs are called Doushi 動詞 with the kanji “to move” (動) and “text” (詞). Without the verb, a sentence doesn’t make sense. Therefore, let’s start from the very basics of Japanese verbs to learn Japanese!

First of all, note that for each verb there’s a “masu form”, ending in -ます masu, and a “dictionary form” ending in -u. Use the first one when talking in a respectful way, and the second one to be more colloquial. That’s the one you find in the dictionary, also. You can choose the verb form you need based on the situation.

Besides, remember that in Japanese the verb always goes at the end of the sentence. Focus on the pattern Subject + Particle > Object + Particle  > Verb.

If you’re a beginner, check this article to learn about Japanese particles. Just focus on は / が, を, and の. These are the essential particles for a basic sentence.

Top 10 Basic Japanese Verbs You Need To Know!

Here’s our list of 10 basic and useful verbs to know in Japanese:

Finally, now that you know how to say some basic actions, let’s look at some examples of how to properly use them!

How to Use Basic Verbs: Examples

1. Tabemasu・食べます

Example:

今晩は家で食べます。

Konban wa uchi de tabemasu.

Tonight I will eat at home.

2. Nomimasu・飲みます

Example:

スプーンでスープを飲みます。

Supu-n de su-pu o nomimasu.

I eat soup with a spoon.

3. Shimasu・します

Example:

これからテニスをします。

Korekawa tenisu o shimasu.

I’m going to play tennis now.

4. Ikimasu ・ 行きます

Example:

来月、京都に行きます。

Raigetu, Kyoto ni ikimasu.

I’m going to go to Kyoto next month.

5. Kimasu・ 来ます

Example:

秋に台風が来ます。

Aki ni taifu- ga kimasu.

In autumn, typhoons come.

6. Aimasu ・ 会います

Example:

友達に会います。

Tomodachi ni aimasu.

I will meet with my friends.

7. Kaimasu ・ 買います

Example:

明日、新しい本を買います。

Ashita, atarashii hon o kaimasu.

I’m going to buy new books tomorrow.

8. Yomimasu ・ 読みます

Example:

毎朝、新聞を読みます。

Maiasa, shinbun o yomimasu.

I read the newspaper every morning.

9. Mimasu ・ 見ます

Example:

休日は映画を見ます。

Kyu-jitsu wa eiga o mimasu.

I watch movies on my days off.

10. Kikimasu ・ 聞きます

Example:

電車の中で音楽を聞きます。

Densha no nakade ongaku o kikimasu.

I listen to music on the train.

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Do you know any other Japanese verbs?
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