Dictionary Form in Japanese
辞書形
The basic, plain form of a Japanese verb, as listed in dictionaries, ending in a "u" sound.
The Dictionary Form (Jisho-kei / 辞書形) is the plain, informal, and non-past affirmative form of Japanese verbs. All Japanese verbs in the dictionary form end in a "u" sound (e.g., u, ku, gu, su, tsu, nu, bu, mu, ru). It is used for informal conversations with family and friends. Furthermore, it serves as the grammatical base for attaching various particles or expressions (e.g., "-koto ga dekiru" to express ability, or "-tsumori" to express intention).
Examples
明日、友達と映画に行く。
Tomorrow, I will go to the movies with my friend.
日本語を話すことができる。
I can speak Japanese.
晩ご飯を食べる前に、手を洗う。
Before eating dinner, I wash my hands.
Related terms
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