Japanese verbs have conjugations.「する」is a verb and means “do.” We will teach you the conjugation in this page. You can also learn example sentences using verb conjugations.
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Vocabulary Video
Before you learn the conjugations, please learn about the pronunciation of the verb in dictionary and polite forms.
VIDEO: Coming Soon
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Dictionary Form/ます Form
As you know, English tenses are roughly divided into present, future, and past tenses. However, it is said that Japanese tenses consist only of “Past Tense” and “Non-Past Tense.” Therefore, we used “Dictionary Form,” not “Present Tense” in this heading.
English Meaning: do, will do
Japanese people use two types of language. One is “non-honorific language” and the other is “honorific language.” When we focus on these languages, “dictionary” and “plain” forms are in “non-honorific language.” “Polite form” is in honorific language.
| Positive | Conjugation | Romaji Reading |
| Dictionary & Plain Form | する | suru |
| ます & Polite Form | します | shimasu |
「辞書形 (dictionary form)」is the original form. The technical term is for non-native Japanese speakers. Therefore, native Japanese usually do not know the word.「ます形」is the polite form of a dictionary form. The term is also for non-native Japanese speakers.
１７時に宿題をする。I’ll do my homework at 5 p.m. (Plain Form)
１７時に宿題をします。(Polite Form)
When the meaning of the sentence in polite form is not written, it is same with the plain form.
English Meaning: do not do, will not do
| Negative | Conjugation | Romaji Reading |
| Plain Form | しない | shinai |
| Polite Form | しません | shimasen |
今日は宿題をしない。I won’t do my homework today. (Plain Form)
今日は宿題をしません。(Polite Form)
Past Tense
English Meaning: did
The plain form is in “た form”. “た form” is also a technical term for non-native Japanese speakers. Therefore, native Japanese usually do not know the word.
| Positive | Conjugation | Romaji Reading |
| た & Plain Form | した | shita |
| Polite Form | しました | shimashita |
３０分間ストレッチをした。I stretched for 30 minutes. (Plain Form)
３０分間ストレッチをしました。(Polite Form)
English Meaning: did not do
| Negative | Conjugation | Romaji Reading |
| Plain Form | しなかった | shinakatta |
| Polite Form | しませんでした | shimasendeshita |
３０分間ストレッチをしなかった。I didn’t stretch for 30 minutes. (Plain Form)
３０分間ストレッチをしませんでした。(Polite Form)
て Form
English Meaning: N/A
We cannot know the exact meaning without knowing the sentence and situation.
| Conjugation | Romaji Reading | |
| て Form | して | shite |
About the phrases「ている」and「ています」: Here
About the phrase「～てください。」: Here
新しい皿に交換して欲しいです。I would like to exchange it for a new plate. (Polite Form)
Volitional Form 1: Will, (Own) Intention, Determination
English Meaning: will do
| Conjugation | Romaji Reading | |
| Plain Form | しよう | shiyō |
| Polite Form | N/A | N/A |
This phrase is used only in plain form. This is because we use it when we talk to ourselves or think in our minds. When we talk or think to ourselves, we usually do not use the polite form.
明日チケットを購入しよう。I’ll buy the ticket tomorrow. (Plain Form)
Volitional Form 2: Solicitation, Intention, Invitation
English Meaning: let’s do
| Conjugation | Romaji Reading | |
| Plain Form | しよう | shiyō |
| Polite Form | しましょう | shimashyō |
一緒にピアノの練習をしよう。Let’s practice piano together. (Plain Form)
一緒にピアノの練習をしましょう。(Polite Form)
Potential
English Meaning: can do/be able to do
| Positive | Conjugation | Romaji Reading |
| Plain Form | できる | dekiru |
| Polite Form | できます | dekimasu |
うちの犬は、お座りができる。My dog can sit. (Plain Form)
うちの犬は、お座りができます。(Polite Form)
English Meaning: cannot do/not able to do
| Negative | Conjugation | Romaji Reading |
| Plain Form | できない | dekinai |
| Polite Form | できません | dekimasen |
うちの犬は、お座りができない。My dog can’t sit. (Plain Form)
うちの犬は、お座りができません。 (Polite Form)
Imperative Form
English Meaning: do (order, command)
| Positive | Conjugation | Romaji Reading |
| Plain Form | しろ | shiro |
早く宿題をしろ。Do your homework early. (Plain Form)
“Imperative form” is used only in plain form and this phrase often becomes rude depending on the situation. Please show us your Japanese when you use it. We will check and teach suitable Japanese.
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Prohibition and Order
English Meaning: Do not do
| Negative | Conjugation | Romaji Reading |
| Plain Form | するな | suruna |
今は電話をするな。Don’t call now. (Plain Form)
Conditional Form
English Meaning: if (subject) do
The form「～ば」is sometimes called “ば Form”. It is also a technical term for non-native Japanese speakers. Therefore, native Japanese usually do not know the word.
| Conjugation | Romaji Reading |
| すれば | sureba |
試験に合格すれば、通訳の仕事ができます。
If I pass the exam, I can work as an interpreter. (Polite Form)
Hypothetical/Definite Conditions, Sequence of Actions
This form「～たら」has some usages. More explanations are in our conversation lessons or mail support.
| Conjugation | Romaji Reading |
| したら | shitara |
This is the example sentence that「たら」indicates “sequence of actions.”
授業に遅刻したら、先生に怒られました。
When I was late for the class, my teacher scolded me. (Polite Form)
Causative Form
English Meaning: make/let/have (person) do
| Positive | Conjugation | Romaji Reading |
| Plain Form | させる | saseru |
| Polite Form | させます | sasemasu |
母は私にバイオリンの練習をさせる。My mother makes me practice the violin. (Plain Form)
母は私にバイオリンの練習をさせます。(Polite Form)
English Meaning: do not make/let/have (person) do
| Negative | Conjugation | Romaji Reading |
| Plain Form | させない | sasenai |
| Polite Form | させません | sasemasen |
母は私にゲームをさせない。My mother doesn’t let me play video games. (Plain Form)
母は私にゲームをさせません。(Polite Form)
These above sentences are grammatically correct. However, we usually use these phrases:
母は私にゲームをさせてくれない。My mother doesn’t let me play video games. (Plain Form)
母は私にゲームをさせてくれません。(Polite Form)
To Learn Correct Verb Conjugations
Japanese verb conjugation is too complicated and there are many learners who use it incorrectly. Therefore, we provide lessons and services where we teach and correct your Japanese daily. If you want to know more about the details, please check out our website.
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