JLPT N5 grammar · The TE-Form Core

Verb Group [masu-form] Version: meaning, usage and examples

Verb Group [masu-form] Version means: Masu form: Group 1 verbs change the final -u to -i + ます (飲のむ → 飲のみます); Group 2 verbs drop る + ます (食たべる → 食たべます, 見みる → 見みます); する → します, 来くる → 来きます.

Updated 9 November 2026 · By the My Senpai team · Spotted a mistake? Tell us

Examples

1. 飲のみます(G1)、食たべます(G2)、します(G3)、来きます(G3)

   nomimasu (G1), tabemasu (G2), shimasu (G3), kimasu (G3)

2. 買かいます(G1)、見みます(G2)、勉強べんきょうします(G3)

   kaimasu (G1), mimasu (G2), benkyoushimasu (G3)

3. 朝あさごはんにパンを食たべます。

   I eat bread for breakfast.

4. 週末しゅうまつは友達ともだちと映画えいがを見みます。

   On the weekend I watch movies with friends.

5. 明日あした、先生せんせいが学校がっこうに来きます。

   The teacher will come to school tomorrow.

When to use it

Masu-form is the polite non-past (present/future). Used in formal speech.

Nuance

Masu-form can also express habitual action, not just present moment.

Compare

Dictionary form is plain; masu-form is polite. Both refer to the same time frame.

Tip: The masu-stem (masu without ます) is the basis for て-form and many other patterns.

More on this in Japanese verb conjugation.