ます・
These four endings make a verb polite while showing whether it is nonpast or past, and affirmative or negative. The nonpast forms can describe present facts and habits as well as future actions.
The four-way pattern
Swipe sideways to compare every column.
| Time | Affirmative | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Nonpast | ます | ません |
| Past | ました | ませんでした |
Nonpast means that the verb is not marked as past. Context tells you whether it refers to a present habit, a current fact or state, or the future.
Nonpast does not mean only present
ます can describe something that happens regularly or something planned for later. Its negative partner, ません, likewise means either “do not” or “will not,” depending on the verb and context.
All four forms in context
Notice how time words and the situation help determine whether a nonpast form refers to a habit or the future.
More examples
この電車は京都へ行きます。
This train goes to Kyoto.
Analyze父は日曜日には働きません。
My father does not work on Sundays.
Analyze田中さんはさっき帰りました。
Ms. Tanaka went home a little while ago.
Analyze雨だったので、私たちは試合をしませんでした。
Because it was raining, we did not play the game.
Analyze店は九時に開きます。
The store opens at nine.
Analyze子どもたちは公園で遊びました。
The children played in the park.
Analyze