Dictionary Form

JLPT N5 Japanese self-study　·　~15 min　·　The plain form — when you need the base verb

'I like reading.' 'When I go to Japan...' 'Before sleeping...' All these patterns use the dictionary/plain form of verbs. It's the most fundamental form.

What you'll learn

• Recognize dictionary form vs ます form
• Dict. form + のが: nominalizing verbs
• Dict. form + とき (when) and 前に (before)

How to study “Dictionary Form”

“Dictionary Form” (The plain form — when you need the base verb) is a JLPT N5 chapter of our free Japanese self-study course, about 15 min. You learn by doing — flashcard drills and fill-in-the-blank quizzes graded on the spot — completely free, with no sign-up and no ad wall. Once it clicks, read the matching in-depth explainer over in Grammar.