Hello! Have you ever hit a wall like this while studying Japanese?
"I always get confused with Group 1 verb conversion rules..."
The solution to these problems is mastering the "Nai-form"!
The "Nai-form" is the foundation of negative expressions. Once you master it, you'll unlock grammar patterns like "~naide kudasai" and "~nakereba narimasen"!
1. What is the "Nai-form"? Why is it Important?
The "Nai-form" is also called the "plain negative form" and serves as the basis for casual negative expressions.
When learning the Nai-form, it's crucial to identify which group a verb
belongs to.
Each group has different conjugation rules. First, check which group your known verbs
belong to.
2. Group-by-Group Nai-form Mastery Map
Japanese verbs are divided into 3 groups. Let's look at the conversion rules for each.
Group 1: Godan Verbs
The most complex group, but the trick is to remember: "i-row → a-row"!
e.g., Kakimasu → Kakanai
| Masu Form | Nai Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 書きます (kakimasu) | 書かない (kakanai) | Not write |
| 読みます (yomimasu) | 読まない (yomanai) | Not read |
| 話します (hanashimasu) | 話さない (hanasanai) | Not speak |
| 待ちます (machimasu) | 待たない (matanai) | Not wait |
If the sound before "masu" ends in "i", it changes to "wa" instead of
"a"!
e.g., Aimasu → Awanai (会わない)
Group 2: Ichidan Verbs
The easiest group! Just drop "masu" and add "nai"!
| Masu Form | Nai Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 食べます (tabemasu) | 食べない (tabenai) | Not eat |
| 見ます (mimasu) | 見ない (minai) | Not watch |
| 起きます (okimasu) | 起きない (okinai) | Not wake up |
Group 3: Irregular Verbs
Just memorize these two!
- します (shimasu) → しない (shinai)
- 来ます (kimasu) → 来ない (konai) *Pronunciation: "konai"
3. Practice! Example Sentences Using Nai-form
今日 は どこにも 行かない。
kyou wa dokonimo ikanai
I won't go anywhere today.
彼 は 何も 食べない。
kare wa nanimo tabenai
He doesn't eat anything.
明日 は 雨 が 降らない。
ashita wa ame ga furanai
It won't rain tomorrow.
4. Summary & Practice Quiz
The Nai-form is the foundation of negative expressions. Master this, and you'll unlock many grammar patterns like "~naide kudasai" and "~nakereba narimasen"!
⚡ Practice Quiz
Think you've mastered the Nai-form? Let's test it!