Dictionary Form (辞書形)
辞書形
The dictionary form is the basic, unconjugated form of verbs as they appear in the dictionary. It is used in casual speech and as the base for many grammar patterns.
Pattern
Group 1: *-u / Group 2: *-ru / Group 3: する, 来る
Explanation
The dictionary form (辞書形) is the plain present/future affirmative form of a verb. It is how verbs are listed in dictionaries: 食べる (eat), 行く (go), する (do), 来る (come).
In casual speech, the dictionary form replaces ます: '明日行く' (I'll go tomorrow) instead of '明日行きます.' It expresses both present habitual actions and future actions.
The dictionary form is also the starting point for many patterns: 〜ことができる (can do), 〜前に (before doing), 〜のが好き (like doing). Mastering it is essential for progressing beyond N5.
Examples
明日東京に行く。
あしたとうきょうにいく。
Ashita Toukyou ni iku.
I'll go to Tokyo tomorrow. (casual)
毎日日本語を勉強する。
まいにちにほんごをべんきょうする。
Mainichi nihongo wo benkyou suru.
I study Japanese every day. (casual)
映画を見る前に本を読む。
えいがをみるまえにほんをよむ。
Eiga wo miru mae ni hon wo yomu.
I read a book before watching the movie.
日本語を話すことができる。
にほんごをはなすことができる。
Nihongo wo hanasu koto ga dekiru.
I can speak Japanese.
Common Mistakes
Wrong
明日東京に行くます。
Correct
明日東京に行きます。/明日東京に行く。
Don't mix dictionary form with ます. Use one or the other.
Wrong
食べます前に手を洗います。
Correct
食べる前に手を洗います。
Grammar patterns like 〜前に require the dictionary form, not the ます form.
Related Grammar Points
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