Grammar · Verbs

ません, the polite negative

[Verb stem] ません

Swap ます for ません and the verb becomes negative. No extra word is needed.

The mistake to avoid

分かりません is one of the most useful sentences you will learn. Say it early and often.

Examples

食べません。

たべません。

I don't eat it.

分かりません。

わかりません。

I don't understand.