る-Verbs

Introduction

Japanese verbs are categorized into groups based on their conjugation patterns.

Among these, る-verbs play a significant role.

This article aims to demystify る-verbs for learners by highlighting their characteristics, providing a comprehensive list of basic る-verbs, and clarifying common exceptions and confusions.

Identifying る-Verbs

る-verbs end with the syllable 「る」 in their dictionary form.

To identify a る-verb, check if the verb ends with 「る」 and if the preceding vowel is either 「い」 or 「え」 on the hiragana chart.

For example, 食べる (taberu – to eat) and 見る (miru – to see) are る-verbs.

Not all verbs ending in 「る」 are る-verbs.

Some are actually う-verbs, which have a different conjugation pattern.

The key to distinguishing them lies in the syllable before the final 「る」.

If it’s one of the five vowels that leads directly into 「る」 without changing form in the conjugation, it’s likely a る-verb. Otherwise, it’s an う-verb.

Example:

• 帰る (kaeru – to return)
  帰る ends with 「る」 but is an う-verb because the preceding syllable is not 「い」 or 「え」.
  Its negative form is 帰らない (kaeranai), following the う-verb conjugation pattern.

• 走る (hashiru – to run)
  走る is another example of an う-verb that ends with 「る」.
  Its te-form is 走って (hashitte), which showcases the う-verb conjugation.

Conjugating る-Verbs

Basic Conjugation:

Conjugating る-verbs is relatively straightforward.

To change from the dictionary form to the ます-form (polite), simply replace 「る」 with 「ます」.

For example, 食べる becomes 食べます (tabemasu), and 見る becomes 見ます (mimasu).

Negative Form:

To form the negative, replace 「る」 with 「ない」 for the plain form.

For example, 食べる becomes 食べない (tabenai), and 見る becomes 見ない (minai).

Basic る-Verbs Table

Below is a conjugation table for る-verbs (一段動詞) in Japanese, showcasing how these verbs change across different grammatical forms:

Common Mistakes and Tips

Understanding the differences between る-verbs and う-verbs can prevent common errors in verb conjugation.

One tip for beginners is to memorize a list of common る-verbs and practice conjugating them in different tenses.

Additionally, paying attention to the vowel preceding 「る」 can help in accurately identifying and conjugating る-verbs.

Conclusion

Understanding る-verbs and their exceptions is crucial for anyone learning Japanese.

By recognizing the patterns and familiarizing yourself with common る-verbs, learners can improve their grammatical accuracy and expand their ability to express a wide range of actions and states.

Remember, practice and exposure are key to mastering these conjugations and becoming proficient in Japanese communication.