An introduction to Japanese - Syntax, Grammar & Language

2.1. INFLECTING 59

meaning plain present affirmative

godan verb

walk :

ichidan verb

see :

verbal adjective

high, expensive :

Some examples of the present tense used in simple sentences:

Today (I’ll) walk.

(I) watch TV.

This is expensive.

Negative

Having covered the present affirmative tense, the next important basic in-
flection is the negative form. In Japanese, negative verb and verbal adjec-
tive forms are created with the helper adjective of negation, ( ), or
using the rather classical verb which will be discussed after polite forms
have been introduced. is actually a verbal adjective, and while it is
never used in an adjective+noun combination, it still inflects like any other
verbal adjective:

bases form

This helper is combined with both verbs and verbal adjectives by
joining up with the , or imperfect base:

meaning plain present negative

godan verb

walk + :

ichidan verb

see + :

verbal adjective

high, expensive + :