Grammar

う・動詞・辞書形

Reading: う・どうし・じしょけい

Meanings: u-verbs (dictionary)

Explanation

introduction

explanation

*う-verbs* (also called *godan verbs*) are the other main `verb` group in Japanese. Their dictionary form always ends in an *-u* sound: *く*, *ぐ*, *す*, *つ*, *ぬ*, *ぶ*, *む*, *る*, or *う*.

explanation

The dictionary form is the **casual** present/future tense. Use it to state facts, describe habits, or talk about what will happen.

explanation

Some `verbs` ending in *-る* are actually *う-verbs*, not *る-verbs*. Common examples include *かえる* (to return), *はいる* (to enter), and *しる* (to know). You need to memorize which group they belong to.

structure

Example sentences

毎まい日にち、水みずを飲のむ
mainichi, mizu wo nomu
I drink water every day.
友とも達だちと会あう
tomodachi to au
I meet with friends.
新しん聞ぶんを読よむ
shinbun wo yomu
I read the newspaper.

Practice exercises

usage_japanese
毎日まいにち本ほんを{placeholder}。
Answer: よむ
usage_japanese
学校がっこうに{placeholder}。
Answer: いく
usage_japanese
音楽おんがくを{placeholder}。
Answer: きく
usage_japanese
水みずを{placeholder}。
Answer: のむ
usage_japanese
毎朝まいあさ駅えきまで{placeholder}。
Answer: あるく
usage_japanese
夏なつは海うみで{placeholder}。
Answer: およぐ
usage_japanese
週末しゅうまつに子供こどもと公園こうえんで{placeholder}。
Answer: あそぶ
usage_japanese
彼かれは毎晩まいばん日記にっきを{placeholder}そうだ。
Answer: かく