Video
Let’s watch this short video for a quick overview.
Source: gokigen japanese official YouTube Channel
Introduction
In our last article, we learned about ru-verbs, the most regular and beginner-friendly verbs in Japanese.
Now it’s time to move on to the second big group: U-verbs (う-verbs).
These verbs are just as important — and once you know their patterns, they’re easy too!
In this article, you’ll learn:
✔ What U-verbs are and how to spot them
✔ How to conjugate U-verbs into polite forms
✔ Real-life examples with vocabulary
✔ Practice drills to boost your skills
✔ FAQ to avoid common mistakes
Let’s get started with U-verbs — the verbs of action!
1. What Are U-Verbs?
U-verbs (う-verbs), also known as Group 1 verbs, are verbs that end in -u sounds such as:
- のむ（飲む）– to drink
- よむ（読む）– to read
- はなす（話す）– to speak
- かく（書く）– to write
- きく（聞く）– to listen
- いく（行く）– to go
Unlike ru-verbs, these verbs change the final syllable when conjugated.
2. How to Conjugate U-Verbs (Polite Form)
The polite form uses -ます and -ません, just like ru-verbs.
But the stem changes depending on the verb’s final sound.
💡 General rule:
Change the final u sound to the corresponding i sound, then add ます or ません.
| Dictionary | Polite (+ます) | Negative (+ません) |
|---|---|---|
| のむ (nom-u) | のみます（nom-imasu） | のみません（nom-imasen） |
| よむ (yom-u) | よみます（yom-imasu） | よみません（yom-imasen） |
| はなす (hanas-u) | はなします（hanas-imasu） | はなしません（hanas-imasen） |
| かく (kak-u) | かきます（kak-imasu） | かきません（kak-imasen） |
| きく (kik-u) | ききます（kik-imasu） | ききません（kik-imasen） |
| いく (ik-u) | いきます（ik-imasu） | いきません（ik-imasen） |
3. Real-Life Sentence Examples
みず を のみます。
(mizu o nomimasu)
I drink water.
まいにち ほん を よみます。
(mainichi hon o yomimasu)
I read books every day.
にほんご を はなします。
(nihongo o hanashimasu)
I speak Japanese.
てがみ を かきません。
(tegami o kakimasen)
I don’t write letters.
おんがく を ききます。
(ongaku o kikimasu)
I listen to music.
がっこう に いきます。
(gakkou ni ikimasu)
I go to school.
4. Practice Time: Try It Yourself!
Conjugation Practice:
| Verb (Dictionary) | Polite (ます) | Polite Negative (ません) |
|---|---|---|
| のむ | のみます | のみません |
| はなす | はなします | はなしません |
| よむ | よみます | よみません |
| きく | ききます | ききません |
| かく | かきます | かきません |
| いく | いきます | いきません |
✅ Try writing your own sentences or saying them out loud!
5. FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
- QHow do I know if a verb is a U-verb?
- A
U-verbs end in any u-sound except for most -iru and -eru endings.
Examples: のむ、よむ、かう、かく、きく、ある are U-verbs.
Ru-verbs usually end in -iru or -eru (like たべる, みる), but watch out — there are exceptions!
- QAre there any exceptions in the negative form of U-verbs?
- A
Yes, and one notable example is the verb ある (aru), which means “to exist” (for inanimate objects).
Even though it’s a U-verb, its negative casual form is unique:Verb Casual Polite Negative (casual) Negative (polite) ある (aru) ある あります ない ありません Note that in casual speech, instead of changing the final syllable as with typical U-verbs, you simply replace it with ない.
- QWhat is the colloquial negative form with です?
- A
Great observation! In spoken Japanese, you can attach です to the ない-form of verbs for a more polite, but still casual, tone.
Examples include:- 見ないです (I don’t watch)
- 書かないです (I don’t write)
- ないです (There isn’t / doesn’t exist)
These forms are not formal but are very common in daily conversations.
6. Conclusion: Now You Can Use U-Verbs with Confidence!
You’ve just taken a big step forward in your Japanese journey!
U-verbs may seem tough at first, but with a little practice, they’re no problem.
✅ Start using verbs like のむ, よむ, かく, and いく in your daily Japanese.
✅ Practice both speaking and writing for best results!
