Mastering ました (Mashita): The Polite Past Form in Japanese

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

INTRODUCTION :


こんにちは (Konnichiwa) readers! Today, let’s embark on an exciting journey through the Japanese grammar topic ました (mashita), which is used to express polite past actions. Buckle up for a fun and informative ride filled with humorous examples and detailed explanations.

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Understanding ました (Mashita)

The verb ending ました (mashita) is a crucial component of Japanese grammar, indicating polite past actions. Whether you’re recounting yesterday’s adventures or discussing past events with respect, mastering ました (mashita) is essential.

Sentence Structure

The structure with ました (mashita) typically follows this pattern:

[Verb Stem] + ました

• English: [Verb] + ました
• Japanese: [Verb Stem] + ました
• Hindi: [क्रिया] + ました

Examples

Let’s dive into some examples to grasp the usage of ました (mashita) better.

1. Recalling Past Actions:
   • 食べました。
     • Romaji: Tabemashita.
     • Pronunciation (Hindi): ताबेमाशिता।
     • English: I ate.
     • Hindi: मैंने खाया।
2. Narrating Past Events:
   • 行きました。
     • Romaji: Ikimashita.
     • Pronunciation (Hindi): इकिमाशिता।
     • English: I went.
     • Hindi: मैं गया।

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Fun and Humorous Examples

Learning is always more enjoyable with a touch of humor. Let’s explore some funny scenarios involving ました (mashita).

1. The Sleepy Student’s Struggle:
   • 勉強しました。
     • Romaji: Benkyō shimashita.
     • Pronunciation (Hindi): बेन्क्यो शिमाशिता।
     • English: I studied.
     • Hindi: मैंने पढ़ाई की।
   Imagine a student who stayed up all night studying for an exam. With heavy eyelids and a tired mind, they proudly declare, “勉強しました” (Benkyō shimashita). Hopefully, it pays off!
2. The Rainy Day Romance:
   • 散歩しました。
     • Romaji: Sanpo shimashita.
     • Pronunciation (Hindi): सन्पो शिमाशिता।
     • English: I went for a walk.
     • Hindi: मैं सैर के लिए गया।
   Picture a couple strolling hand in hand on a rainy day. As they reminisce about their romantic walk, they fondly say, “散歩しました” (Sanpo shimashita). Sometimes, the best moments happen unexpectedly!

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Identifying ました (Mashita) in a Sentence

Spotting ました (mashita) in a sentence is crucial for understanding its function. Here’s how you can identify it:

1. Look for ました (mashita) at the end of a verb.
2. It indicates that the action was performed politely in the past tense.

For example:

• 昨日、友達と遊びました。 (Kinō, tomodachi to asobimashita.)
  • In this sentence, “昨日” (kinō) means “yesterday,” “友達と” (tomodachi to) means “with friends,” and “遊びました” (asobimashita) means “played.” ました (mashita) indicates the polite past form.

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Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve now mastered the Japanese verb ending ました (mashita) and its vital role in expressing polite past 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.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Keep using ました (mashita) to narrate past events politely and accurately. Embrace the nuances of polite language and enjoy the process of mastering Japanese grammar.

With each polite recounting of past adventures using ました (mashita), may your language skills grow, enabling you to communicate effectively and respectfully in Japanese.

Happy learning!