Demystifying ます (Masu): The Polite Present/Future Tense in Japanese

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

INTRODUCTION:

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the Japanese verb ending ます (masu)! In Japanese grammar, ます (masu) is used to express the polite present or future tense. Join us as we explore the structure, usage, and exceptions of ます (masu) with humorous examples and detailed explanations.

Understanding ます (Masu)

The expression ます (masu) is used to indicate polite present or future actions in Japanese. It is added to the stem of a verb to create the polite form.

Sentence Structure

The structure with ます (masu) typically follows this pattern:

[Verb Stem] + ます

• English: [Verb] + ます
• Japanese: [Verb Stem] + ます
• Hindi: [क्रिया] + ます

Examples

Let’s explore examples to understand the usage of ます (masu) better.

1. Expressing Present Actions:
   • 食べます。
     • Romaji: Tabemasu.
     • Pronunciation (Hindi): ताबेमसु।
     • English: I eat.
     • Hindi: मैं खाता हूँ।
2. Indicating Future Actions:
   • 行きます。
     • Romaji: Ikimasu.
     • Pronunciation (Hindi): इकिमसु।
     • English: I will go.
     • Hindi: मैं जाऊँगा।

Fun and Humorous Examples

Let’s add some humor to our learning journey with funny scenarios involving ます (masu).

1. The Ambitious New Year’s Resolution:
   • ダイエットをします。
     • Romaji: Daietto o shimasu.
     • Pronunciation (Hindi): डाइएतो ओ शिमसु।
     • English: I will go on a diet.
     • Hindi: मैं डाइट करूँगा।
2. The Attempt at Gardening:
   • 花を育てます。
     • Romaji: Hana o sodatemasu.
     • Pronunciation (Hindi): हना ओ सोदाटेमसु।
     • English: I will grow flowers.
     • Hindi: मैं फूल उगाऊँगा।

Identifying ます (Masu) in a Sentence

Identifying the Japanese expression ます (masu) in a sentence is essential for understanding its function. Here’s how you can spot it:

1. Look for ます (masu) at the end of a verb.
2. It indicates that the action is being performed politely in the present or future tense.

For example:

• 日本に行きます。 (Nihon ni ikimasu.)
  • In this sentence, “日本に” (Nihon ni) means “to Japan” and “行きます” (ikimasu) means “will go.” ます (masu) indicates the polite present or future tense.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve now mastered the Japanese expression ます (masu) and its essential role in expressing polite present and future actions. By understanding its usage in sentence structure and exploring humorous examples, you’ve taken a significant step forward in your journey to fluency in Japanese.

Keep practicing with different verbs and scenarios to solidify your understanding of ます (masu). Embrace the nuances of polite language and enjoy the process of mastering Japanese grammar.

With each polite action you express using ます (masu), may your language skills grow, enabling you to communicate effectively and respectfully in Japanese.

Happy learning!