Hobby 3

Plain Form

There is another verb form in Japanese called plain form. Plain form is what you see in dictionaries, and it’s often used when talking casually with friends. Here are some common examples!

‑ます form	plain form
泳ぎます	泳ぐ
取ります	取る
閉めます	閉める
食べます	食べる
見ます	見る
します	する
来ます	来る
です	だ

You don’t need to worry too much about plain form at the moment — this is just a small introduction. But if you hear someone using these verbs with you, you’ll know they like you enough to be super casual with you!

I think I’ll do it!

The plain form has some other uses! In Japanese, when you talk about what you think you’re going to do, use the plain form with と思います.

あしたは多分パーティーに行くと思います。
(I) think (I) will probably go to the party tomorrow.

田中さんは多分学校に来ると思います。
(I) think Mr. Tanaka will probably come to school.

Studying Japanese is fun!

Here’s one more use of the plain form! You can use it with の to talk about activities.

映画を見るのは好きですか？
Do (you) like watching movies?

姉は写真を撮るのが上手です。
My older sister is good at taking photos.