Translation guide
In Japanese, 'tense' is expressed through verb/adjective conjugations and auxiliary constructions. Unlike English, Japanese has only two morphological tenses (past and non-past), and future is usually indicated by context or time words. This guide covers how to express past, present, and future, as well as progressive and perfect aspects.
Expressing that an action or state occurred in the past.
The basic past tense form. Verbs conjugate to the た-form, い-adjectives replace い with かった, な-adjectives and nouns use だった (plain) or でした (polite).
I watched a movie yesterday.
It was cold yesterday.
He was a student.
Polite past tense. Use in formal situations.
I watched a movie yesterday. (polite)
It was cold yesterday. (polite)
Past progressive or past habitual. Indicates an ongoing action or a repeated state in the past.
It was raining at that time.
I used to play here often as a child.
Expressing present states, habitual actions, or future events.
The dictionary form (plain non-past) covers both present and future. Context or time words clarify the meaning.
I study Japanese every day. (habitual present)
I will watch a movie tomorrow. (future)
This room is spacious. (present state)
Polite non-past. Use in formal settings.
I study Japanese every day. (polite)
Present progressive or resultative state. Indicates an ongoing action or a state resulting from a past action.
It is raining now.
Specifically expressing future actions or events.
Japanese does not have a dedicated future tense. The non-past form combined with future time expressions (tomorrow, next week, etc.) indicates future.
I will go to Kyoto next week.
It will probably rain tomorrow.
Expresses intention or plan. 'I intend to...' or 'I plan to...'
I plan to go to Japan next year.
Expresses conjecture or probability about the future. 'Probably will...'
He will probably come.
Expressing that one has done something before or has an experience.
Indicates past experience. 'Have done (something) before.'
I have been to Japan.
Have you ever eaten sushi?
Expressing that an action was completed before a certain point in the past.
Can also indicate a state resulting from a completed action in the past, similar to past perfect.
When he came, I had already left.
Indicates completion, often with a nuance of regret or unintended result.
I (accidentally) forgot my homework.
Japanese does not have a morphological future tense. Using the non-past form without a time expression can be ambiguous. Always clarify with context or time words when future meaning is intended.
I watch movies. / I will watch a movie. (ambiguous without context)
The た-form indicates a simple past action, while ていた indicates an ongoing state or action in the past, or a past habitual action.
I read a book yesterday. (simple past)
I was reading a book yesterday. (past progressive)
I will watch a movie tomorrow. (polite)
彼は結婚している。
He is married. (resultative state)