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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 with 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:
masu form
dictionary form
furigana
meaning
食べます
食べる
tabemasu / taberu
to eat
飲みます
飲む
nomimasu / nomu
to drink
します
する
shimasu / suru
to do
行きます
行く
ikimasu / iku
to go
来ます
来る
kimasu / kuru
to go
会います
会う
aimasu / au
to meet
買います
買う
kaimasu / kau
to buy
読みます
読む
yomimasu / yomu
to read
見ます
見る
mimasu / miru
to see
聞きます
聞く
kikimasu / kiku
to hear
Finally, now that you know how to say some basic actions, let’s look at some examples of how to properly use them!
