How to Master the Active Usage of Japanese Words170

In Japanese, there are two main forms of verbs: the active form and the passive form.
The active form is used when the subject of the sentence is performing the action, while
the passive form is used when the subject of the sentence is receiving the action.

Mastering the active usage of Japanese words is essential for effective communication.
Here are some tips on how to do it:

1. Identify the subject of the sentence

The first step to using Japanese words in the active form is to identify the
subject of the sentence. The subject is the person, place, or thing that is
performing the action. In general, the subject of the sentence will come before
the verb.

For example, in the sentence "私は日本語を勉強しています。(I am studying Japanese),"
the subject is "私 (I)." This is because "私" is the person who is performing the action
of studying.

2. Conjugate the verb to the active form

Once you have identified the subject of the sentence, you need to conjugate the verb to
the active form. The active form of the verb is formed by adding the following suffixes
to the verb stem:
-u (present tense)
-ta (past tense)
-masu (polite present tense)

For example, the verb "勉強する (to study)" is conjugated to the active form as
follows:
Present tense: 勉強します (benkyō shimasu)
Past tense: 勉強しました (benkyō shimashita)
Polite present tense: 勉強いたします (benkyō itashimasu)

3. Practice using Japanese words in the active form

The best way to master the active usage of Japanese words is to practice regularly.
Here are some tips for practicing:
Create your own sentences using Japanese words in the active form.
Talk to native Japanese speakers and listen to how they use Japanese words in the
active form.
Watch Japanese movies and TV shows and pay attention to how Japanese words are
used in the active form.

By following these tips, you can master the active usage of Japanese words and
communicate more effectively in Japanese.

Additional tips

Here are some additional tips for using Japanese words in the active form:
Be aware of the different levels of politeness in Japanese. The polite present tense
(-masu form) is used in formal settings, while the present tense (-u form) is used in
informal settings.
Pay attention to the context of the sentence when using Japanese words in the
active form. The meaning of a sentence can change depending on the context.
Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes when learning a new
language. The important thing is to keep practicing and learning from your mistakes.

With practice, you will be able to master the active usage of Japanese words and
communicate more effectively in Japanese.

2025-02-01

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