Verb Dictionary Form

V-る・動詞辞書形・どうしじしょけい

1. Definition

The verb dictionary form (辞書形, じしょけい) is the basic form of a verb, typically used as an entry in dictionaries. The dictionary form represents the verb in its uninflected state and is commonly used in written and formal contexts.

2. Structure

Japanese verbs can be classified into three categories based on their conjugation: Group 1 (Godan verbs), Group 2 (Ichidan verbs), and Irregular verbs.

2.1. Group 1 Verbs (Godan Verbs)

• Characteristics: These verbs end with a "u" sound.
• Structure: The dictionary form usually ends with 「う」.
• Examples:

  Verb	Dictionary Form
  書く	書く (かく)
  話す	話す (はなす)
  飲む	飲む (のむ)

2.2. Group 2 Verbs (Ichidan Verbs)

• Characteristics: These verbs end with 「る」.
• Structure: The dictionary form is formed by removing 「る」.
• Examples:

  Verb	Dictionary Form
  食べる	食べる (たべる)
  見る	見る (みる)
  寝る	寝る (ねる)

2.3. Irregular Verbs

• Characteristics: This category has a few verbs with unique conjugation rules.
• Examples:

  Verb	Dictionary Form
  する	する (する)
  来る	来る (くる)

3. Notes

• The dictionary form is used in both spoken and written language and is fundamental for understanding verb usage.
• In actual conversation, using the dictionary form may be considered informal, so more polite forms (such as the "ます form") might be preferred in formal situations.

4. Summary

The dictionary form of verbs is an essential foundation for learning Japanese. Understanding its structure and usage will facilitate further learning of other verb conjugations.