What is the dictionary form of a verb?

In the introduction of volume 3, we briefly explained about the dictionary form of verbs. This time, we’ll study the “dictionary form” of verbs in detail.

Note: Why is it called the dictionary form?

It is because the dictionary form is the most basic form of a verb, and it’s listed in Japanese dictionaries in this form.

While this text introduces verbs not in the dictionary form but in the “ます form,” it’s because in Japan, there are many situations where polite language is used, especially outside of family or close friends. Moreover, foreigners who come to Japan often find themselves speaking with unfamiliar people, so the text introduces from the “ます form” for that reason. Many Japanese language textbooks also introduce from the “ます form.”

<ますform>

<dictionary form>

How to form the dictionary form of a verb

1gr.

2 gr.

Just change “ます” to “る”

3 gr.

Please memorize it as it is.

Vdic.ことが好き　

We learned “ga suki” in Vol.5?
Do you remember it?

Reference

Vol.5 Lesson 6

Nihongo Pocket

テオ

コーヒーが好きです。
I like coffee.

Before the particle “が” you place nouns, which refer to objects or person.

You cannot place verbs before it.

テオ

コーヒーをのみますが好きです。❌
I like drinking coffee.

However, by changing the verb to its dictionary form and adding “こと,” it can be treated as one noun word.

テオ

コーヒーをのむことが好きです。✅
I like drinking coffee.

In the above case, the highlighted phrase “コーヒーをのむこと” becomes one noun phrase.

まさとし

ぼくは休日は買い物をすることが好きです。

I like shopping on my day off.

まさとし

ぼくは歩くことが大好きです。

I love walking.

Similarly, you can also use “dislike,” which is the opposite of “like.”

ちか

べんきょうすることがきらいです。

I dislike studying.