Translation guide
The English word "conjugation" covers several distinct concepts in Japanese: verb/adjective inflection patterns, the process of changing forms, and even biological conjugation. This guide focuses on the linguistic meanings most relevant to learners.
Referring to the systematic way verbs and adjectives change form to express tense, politeness, negation, etc.
The standard term for inflection/conjugation of verbs, adjectives, and auxiliary verbs. Used in grammar references and textbooks.
It's tough to memorize Japanese verb conjugations.
This verb has an irregular conjugation.
Specifically refers to a conjugated form (e.g., te-form, masu-form).
"Tabete" is one of the conjugated forms of "taberu."
General word for 'change' or 'transformation'. Can be used for conjugation in a broader sense, but 活用 is more precise.
I summarized the verb changes in a table.
The process of changing a word into a different form.
Referring to the traditional classification of verbs into conjugation groups.
The temporary union of two organisms for genetic exchange.
Biological conjugation, such as in bacteria or algae.
Genes are transferred through bacterial conjugation.
The English word "conjugation" is sometimes mistakenly associated with "conjugal" (marriage-related). In Japanese, 結婚 (けっこん) means marriage, not linguistic conjugation.
In most learning contexts, 活用 (かつよう) is the word you need. 接合 (せつごう) is a technical biology term.
Japanese verbs conjugate regularly.
Change the form of words to make sentences.
Godan (five-row) conjugation, corresponding to u-verbs.
"Kaku" is a godan (u-verb) conjugation verb.
Ichidan (one-row) conjugation, corresponding to ru-verbs.
"Taberu" is an ichidan (ru-verb) conjugation verb.