Understanding the Japanese Present Tense
In Japanese, the present tense is used to describe actions that are happening now or that happen regularly. It's similar to saying 'I eat' or 'I am eating' in English.
Important Points
- The present tense is often the same as the dictionary form of the verb.
- Japanese verbs are divided into three groups: Group 1 (う-verbs), Group 2 (る-verbs), and Group 3 (irregular verbs).
- To make a verb polite, add 'ます' to the stem of the verb.
Let's look at how we use the present tense with each group of verbs.
For Group 1 verbs, the present tense is the same as the dictionary form. To make it polite, change the ending to 'います'.
Examples
- 書く (かく) - to write
- 書きます (かきます) - write (polite)
- 飲む (のむ) - to drink
For Group 2 verbs, the present tense is also the same as the dictionary form. To make it polite, change the ending to 'ます'.
Examples
- 食べる (たべる) - to eat
- 食べます (たべます) - eat (polite)
- 見る (みる) - to see
Group 3 Verbs (Irregular Verbs)
There are only two irregular verbs in Japanese. These are 'する' (to do) and 'くる' (to come). Their polite forms are 'します' and 'きます' respectively.
Examples
- する - to do
- します - do (polite)
- くる - to come
Using Present Tense to Talk About the Future
In Japanese, the present tense can also be used to talk about future actions. Context is important to understand whether the speaker is talking about the present or the future.
Examples
- 明日、映画を見ます。 - I will watch a movie tomorrow.
- 毎日、学校に行きます。 - I go to school every day.
- 今、宿題をします。 - I am doing my homework now.