Japanese Verb Negative Form

V-ない・動詞否定形・どうしひていけい

1. Definition

The negative form (否定形, ひていけい) of a Japanese verb is used to express the absence of an action or to negate an affirmative statement. It indicates that something is not done or does not happen.

2. Structure

The structure of the negative form varies depending on the verb group. Typically, verbs in the dictionary form are conjugated to their respective negative form by changing the verb endings.

2.1. Group 1 Verbs (Godan Verbs)

• Formation: Change the final "u" sound to the corresponding "a" sound and add "ない" (nai).
• Examples:

  Dictionary Form	Negative Form (ない形)
  書く (かく)	書かない (かかない)
  話す (はなす)	話さない (はなさない)
  飲む (のむ)	飲まない (のまない)

2.2. Group 2 Verbs (Ichidan Verbs)

• Formation: Remove the final "る" (ru) and add "ない" (nai).
• Examples:

  Dictionary Form	Negative Form (ない形)
  食べる (たべる)	食べない (たべない)
  見る (みる)	見ない (みない)
  寝る (ねる)	寝ない (ねない)

2.3. Irregular Verbs

• Formation: The two irregular verbs have unique negative forms.
• Examples:

  Dictionary Form	Negative Form (ない形)
  する (する)	しない (しない)
  来る (くる)	来ない (こない)

3. Usage

• The negative form is used to deny or negate actions, indicating that something is not done.
• It is often used in both informal and formal conversations, but the plain form ("ない") is typically informal. For more formal situations, the polite negative form (e.g., ません) is used instead.

4. Example Sentences

1. 私は朝ごはんを食べない。
   I do not eat breakfast.

2. 彼は学校に行かない。
   He does not go to school.

3. 犬は部屋にいない。
   The dog is not in the room.

4. 私は今日仕事をしない。
   I am not working today.

5. 彼女は映画を見ない。
   She does not watch movies.

5. Notes

• Polite Negative Form: The polite negative form is created by changing "ます" to "ません" (e.g., 食べません - do not eat).
• Special Case for ある (to exist): The negative form of "ある" (used for inanimate objects) is "ない" (not "あらない").

6. Summary

The negative form (ない形) is essential for expressing negation in Japanese. It is formed differently depending on the verb group, and mastering these conjugations is important for accurate communication in both casual and formal contexts.