To make negative forms of Japanese verbs, you need to know the two main groups of verbs: Group 1 (u-verbs) and Group 2 (ru-verbs). Each group forms its negative in a slightly different way. Let’s look at how to do this!

Group 1 Verbs (u-verbs)

Group 1 verbs usually end with sounds like う, く, す, つ, ぬ, ぶ, む, and る. Here’s how to create the negative form:

1. Find the verb stem: Take off the last "u" sound from the verb. For example, let’s use the verb かく (kaku - to write). When we remove the う, we get the stem か.

2. Add the negative ending: For Group 1 verbs, change the "u" to "anai." So, starting with our example:

   • かく (kaku) becomes かかない (kakanai - do not write).

Examples of Group 1 Verbs

Here are some examples to help you understand better:

• のむ (nomu - to drink) → のまない (nomanai - do not drink)
• する (suru - to do) → しない (shinai - do not do)

Group 2 Verbs (ru-verbs)

Group 2 verbs are simpler because they usually end in る. Here’s how to make them negative:

1. Remove the る: Take off the る to find the stem. For example, with たべる (taberu - to eat), if you take off る, you get たべ.

2. Add the negative ending: For Group 2 verbs, just add "ない" to the stem:

   • たべる (taberu - to eat) becomes たべない (tabenai - do not eat).

Examples of Group 2 Verbs

Here are some examples:

• ねる (neru - to sleep) → ねない (nenai - do not sleep)
• 見る (miru - to see) → 見ない (minai - do not see)

Summary

To recap:

• For Group 1 Verbs (u-verbs): Remove the last "u" and add "anai."
• For Group 2 Verbs (ru-verbs): Remove the "ru" and add "nai."

By following these steps, you'll be able to turn Japanese verbs into their negative forms pretty easily! Don’t worry if it’s challenging at first; with practice, you’ll get the hang of it, and soon you'll be able to express negative thoughts in Japanese!