〜ません

not (polite negative)

N5verb-forms

〜ません is a verb form expressing not (polite negative). Understanding this conjugation pattern is essential for expanding what you can express in Japanese. Verb forms are the backbone of Japanese grammar — each form unlocks new ways to describe actions, states, and intentions.

This is a foundational pattern that you will use from day one of your Japanese studies.

Structure

Verb(ます-stem) + ません

Formation#

Verb Typeます Formません Form
Group 1書きます書きません
Group 2食べます食べません
するしますしません
くるきますきません

Replace ます with ません.

When to Use#

  • When politely negating a verb in formal speech
  • When saying you don't do something in polite conversation

When NOT to Use#

  • In very formal writing where a more sophisticated expression would be expected

Example Sentences#

  • わかりません。 — I don't understand.
  • 肉は食べません。 — I don't eat meat.
  • お金がありません。 — I don't have money.

Practice#

Try reading these sentences aloud, then check the translation and vocabulary:

N5greetings

I don't understand.

Neutral

わかりません。

Casual

わからない。

Vocabulary
わかるto understandませんnegative (polite)ないnegative (plain)
Grammar
〜ませんnegative (polite)
Try in JIVX
N5food

I don't eat meat.

Neutral

肉(にく)は食(た)べません。

Casual

肉(にく)は食(た)べない。

Vocabulary
肉meat食べるto eat
Grammar
〜ませんpolite negative
Try in JIVX

Common Mistakes#

  1. Wrong verb group conjugation — Group 1 and Group 2 verbs conjugate differently. Common pitfall: treating Group 1 verbs ending in る (like 帰る) as Group 2 verbs.

Related Patterns#

Related Patterns

masu-polite

Practice this grammar in JIVX

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