"~masen (γΎγγ)" is the Polite Negative
Form of Japanese verbs.
It is used to negate facts, habits, or future
plans, such as "I do not eat" (tabemasen) or "I will not go" (ikimasen).
"~masen" simply states a fact that something will not happen.
When refusing an invitation, just saying "Iie, ikimasen" (No, I won't go) can sound very
cold and direct.
To refuse politely, it's better to say "Chotto..." (A little bit...) or "Sumimasen,
ikemasen" (Sorry, I can't go).
It's very simple! Just remove "masu" and add "masen".
Verb Conjugation
| Masu Form (Positive) | Masen Form (Negative) | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ι£γΉγΎγ (Tabemasu) | ι£γΉγΎγγ (Tabemasen) | I do not eat |
| ι£²γΏγΎγ (Nomimasu) | ι£²γΏγΎγγ (Nomimasen) | I do not drink |
| θ‘γγΎγ (Ikimasu) | θ‘γγΎγγ (Ikimasen) | I do not go |
| γγΎγ (Shimasu) | γγΎγγ (Shimasen) | I do not do |
| ζ₯(γ)γΎγ (Kimasu) | ζ₯(γ)γΎγγ (Kimasen) | I do not come |
Examples
η§ γ― θ γ ι£γΉγΎγγγ
watashi wa niku o tabemasen
I do not eat meat.
ζζ₯γε¦ζ ‘ γ« θ‘γγΎγγγ
ashita, gakkou ni ikimasen
I will not go to school tomorrow.
δ»ζ₯ γ― γγ¬γ γ θ¦γΎγγγ
kyou wa terebi o mimasen
I will not watch TV today.
β‘ Practice Quiz
Do you understand how to use "~masen"? Let's test it!