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
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| 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!
Want to improve your Japanese with real conversations?
Our native Japanese instructors at gokigen japanese can help you perfect your pronunciation and learn real-life usage.
Whether you’re completely new to Japanese or looking to refine your skills, book a one-on-one session.
