The Masu-Form (Polite Form)
The Masu-form (~ใพใ) is the standard polite form in Japanese. It's the safest and most common way to speak with people you don't know well.
Why use the Masu-form?
In Japanese, the level of politeness changes depending on who you are talking to. The dictionary form (plain form) is used with close friends and family.
The Masu-form is used in most everyday situations: talking to strangers, teachers, older people, or colleagues. If you aren't sure which form to use, the Masu-form is always the safest choice.
Mastering the Masu-form also unlocks other grammar patterns, like saying 'I want to...' (~tai) or 'Let's...' (~mashou).
Masu-Form Conjugation Rules
Example Sentences
Teacher's Advice
The part of the verb before 'masu' is called the 'Masu-stem' (e.g., 'tabe' from 'tabemasu', 'nomi' from 'nomimasu'). This stem is highly useful! You can add '~tai' to mean 'want to' (tabetai - want to eat) or '~nasai' for commands (tabenasai - eat!). Remember the stem!
JLPT Patterns
- โขใใพใใใ (~mashou) - Let's do (N5)
- โขใใพใใใ (~masen ka) - Won't you do / Would you like to do (N5)
- โขใใใใงใ (~tai desu) - Want to do (N5)
- โขใใซใใใพใ (~ni ikimasu) - Go to do something (N5)
Practice Polite Japanese
Try our grammar exercises to master the Masu-form in all its tenses.
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