How to change dictionary form verbs to masu form

Changing from the “dictionary form” to the “ます form” is a way to speak Japanese more politely and respectfully. Normally, the “dictionary form” of a verb is equivalent to the base form of the verb in English. However, when showing respect or speaking formally, the “ます form” is used. Japanese verbs can be divided into three main groups, and you can convert them to the “ます form” by following the rules specific to each group.

1. Ichidan verbs

Ichidan verbs are most verbs that end with -iる or -eる.

The ending(-iる, -eる) is simply dropped and you add the ～ます suffix.

[dictionary form]	[masu form]
食べる taberu	食べます tabemasu
見る miru	見ます mimasu

2. Godan verbs

Godan verbs include all verbs that do not end with -iる, -eる.

To convert a godan verb to masu form, you must turn the last letter into it‘s infinitive form(Ex. す→し, む→み) and add the masu suffix.

[dictionary form]	[masu form]
会う au	会います aimasu
立つ tatsu	立ちます tachimasu
行く iku	行きます ikimasu

3. Irregular verbs

There are several irregular verbs, but there is no problem if you learn them each time.

In this article, we will only introduce those that occur frequently.

[dictionary form]	[masu form]
来る kuru	来ます kimasu
する suru	します shimasu