選ぶ（えらぶ）Conjugation
JLPT N4 · Godan verb (Group 1) · Meaning: to choose
Full conjugation table
| Form | Japanese | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary form The base form — casual speech and the stem for many grammar patterns. | 選ぶ | えらぶ |
| masu (polite present) Polite present/future affirmative. | 選びます | えらびます |
| masen (polite negative) Polite present negative. | 選びません | えらびません |
| mashita (polite past) Polite past affirmative. | 選びました | えらびました |
| masen deshita (polite past neg.) Polite past negative. | 選びませんでした | えらびませんでした |
| te-form The most versatile form — linking, requests, progressive and more. | 選んで | えらんで |
| ta (plain past) Plain past affirmative. | 選んだ | えらんだ |
| nai (plain negative) Plain present negative. | 選ばない | えらばない |
| nakatta (plain past neg.) Plain past negative. | 選ばなかった | えらばなかった |
| Potential Ability or possibility — 'can do'. | 選べる | えらべる |
| Passive Passive voice — 'to be done to'. | 選ばれる | えらばれる |
| Causative Causative — 'to make/let someone do'. | 選ばせる | えらばせる |
| Volitional Volitional — 'let's…' or intention. | 選ぼう | えらぼう |
| Imperative Imperative — a strong command; used sparingly. | 選べ | えらべ |
| Prohibitive Prohibitive — 'don't do it!'. | 選ぶな | えらぶな |
| Conditional (ba) Hypothetical 'if' — leans written. | 選べば | えらべば |
| Conditional (tara) The most versatile everyday 'if / when'. | 選んだら | えらんだら |
Example sentences
- メニューから食べたい料理を選ぶ。 — I choose the dish I want to eat from the menu.
- 将来、自分の進む道を選ぶ。 — I will choose my own path in life.
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