Translation guide
The English auxiliary verb construction 'does not' is used to negate verbs in the third person singular present tense. In Japanese, negation is expressed through verb conjugation, not a separate word. The equivalent is the negative form of the verb, which varies by verb type and politeness level. This guide covers common patterns for expressing 'does not' in Japanese.
Express that someone or something does not do an action, in casual or plain form.
The plain negative form of a verb. For godan verbs, change the final -u to -anai (e.g., 書く → 書かない). For ichidan verbs, drop -ru and add -nai (e.g., 食べる → 食べない). Irregular verbs: する → しない, 来る → こない. Used in casual speech, plain writing, and before certain grammar patterns.
彼は野菜を食べない。
He does not eat vegetables.
このパソコンは動かない。
This computer does not work.
Express that someone or something does not do an action, in polite or formal contexts.
The polite negative form. Formed by changing the verb to its polite stem (Vます) and replacing ます with ません. Used in formal speech, business settings, and with strangers.
私はお酒を飲みません。
I do not drink alcohol.
この電車は東京駅に止まりません。
This train does not stop at Tokyo Station.
Express that something is not the case, using the casual negative of だ/です.
The plain negative form of the copula だ. Used after nouns and na-adjectives. In casual speech, often contracted to じゃない.
それは本当ではない。
That is not true.
彼は学生じゃない。
He is not a student.
Express that something is not the case, in polite speech.
The polite negative form of です. Used after nouns and na-adjectives. In less formal polite speech, じゃありません is also common.
これは私の本ではありません。
This is not my book.
あの店はあまり高くありません。
That store is not very expensive.
Express that something does not have a certain quality (i-adjective).
Replace the final い of an i-adjective with くない for casual negative. For polite, use くありません or くないです.
この部屋は広くない。
This room is not spacious.
今日は寒くないです。
It is not cold today.
Express that something does not exist or is not present.
Express that a person or animal is not present.
The plain negative of いる (to exist, animate). Polite form is いません.
部屋に誰もいない。
There is no one in the room.
彼は今日ここにいません。
He is not here today.
English uses 'does not' as an auxiliary verb, but Japanese negation is built into the verb conjugation. There is no separate word for 'does'. Translating word-for-word will result in unnatural Japanese.
彼は行かない。
He does not go.
In casual Japanese, では is often contracted to じゃ. For example, ではない becomes じゃない, and ではありません becomes じゃありません. This is very common in everyday conversation.