過去形
past tense
過去形 is a verb form expressing past tense. 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 → た-form
う→った、く→いた、ぐ→いだ、す→した etc.
Formation#
| Verb Type | Dictionary Form | Past (た) Form |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 (く) | 書く | 書いた |
| Group 1 (ぐ) | 泳ぐ | 泳いだ |
| Group 1 (す) | 話す | 話した |
| Group 1 (む/ぬ/ぶ) | 飲む | 飲んだ |
| Group 1 (つ/る/う) | 待つ | 待った |
| Group 2 | 食べる | 食べた |
| する | する | した |
| くる | くる | きた |
The た-form follows the same sound changes as the て-form, replacing て with た.
When to Use#
- Completed actions: 昨日映画を見た (I watched a movie yesterday)
- Past states: 子供の時、元気だった (I was healthy as a child)
- Recall or realization: あ、そうだった (Oh, that's right)
When NOT to Use#
- In very formal writing where a more sophisticated expression would be expected
Example Sentences#
- 来週、歯医者の予約を取りました。 — I made an appointment with the dentist for next week.
- 新しいゲームアプリをダウンロードしました。 — I downloaded a new game app.
Practice#
Try reading these sentences aloud, then check the translation and vocabulary:
I made an appointment with the dentist for next week.
来週、歯医者の予約を取りました。
来週、歯医者の予約を取った。
I downloaded a new game app.
新しいゲームアプリをダウンロードしました。
新しいゲームアプリをダウンロードした。
Common Mistakes#
- Using 過去形 interchangeably with 〜ました — These patterns are similar but not identical. 〜ました (past polite verb) may be preferred in different contexts or registers.
- 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#
- 〜ました (past polite verb) — Similar
Related Patterns
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