Translation guide
This entry explains how to conjugate ichidan (一段) verbs that end in "eru" in Japanese. It covers the basic conjugation patterns for polite and plain forms, including present, past, negative, and te-form, with examples and notes on common pitfalls.
Learn the fundamental conjugation rules for ichidan verbs ending in 'eru'.
For ichidan verbs ending in 'eru', the stem is formed by dropping the final る. All conjugations attach directly to this stem. This is the simplest and most consistent pattern.
食べる → 食べます
to eat → eat (polite)
見る → 見ない
to see → not see (plain negative)
The polite present/future affirmative is formed by adding ます to the stem. This is the most common polite form used in everyday conversation.
The plain present/future affirmative is simply the dictionary form of the verb. This is used in casual speech, plain writing, and before certain grammatical structures.
Express negation in polite and plain styles.
The polite negative is formed by adding ません to the stem. This is the standard polite way to say 'do not'.
The plain negative is formed by adding ない to the stem. This is used in casual speech and plain writing.
Express past actions or states in polite and plain styles.
The polite past affirmative is formed by adding ました to the stem.
The plain past affirmative is formed by adding た to the stem. This is used in casual speech and plain writing.
The polite past negative is formed by adding ませんでした to the stem.
食べませんでした
I did not eat
The plain past negative is formed by adding なかった to the stem.
食べなかった
I did not eat (plain)
Form the te-form for connecting clauses, making requests, and other uses.
Express ability or possibility ('can do').
The potential form is created by adding られる to the stem. In casual speech, the ら is often dropped (ら抜き言葉), resulting in stem + れる, but this is considered informal.
In casual speech, ら is often dropped (e.g., 食べれる), but this is non-standard and should be avoided in formal contexts.
Express intention or invitation ('let's do').
Give commands (strong or harsh).
Express 'if' conditions.
Not all verbs ending in 'eru' are ichidan. Some are godan (五段) verbs, such as 帰る (かえる, to return), 切る (きる, to cut), and 知る (しる, to know). These conjugate differently. Always check the verb type before applying these rules.
帰る → 帰ります (not 帰ます)
to return → return (polite)
Most verbs ending in -iru or -eru are ichidan, but there are exceptions. If the verb has a kanji with okurigana that includes the 'e' sound before る, it is likely ichidan. For example, 食べる (たべる) has the okurigana べる, so it's ichidan. In contrast, 帰る (かえる) has okurigana える, but it's godan. When in doubt, consult a dictionary.