When learning Japanese, one of the fundamental concepts that students encounter is the distinction between short form and long form in grammar. This can be particularly challenging for native English speakers, as this dichotomy doesn’t exist in the same way in English. Understanding when and how to use each form is crucial for effective communication in Japanese. This article aims to demystify these forms and provide clear, practical guidance for language learners.
Understanding the Basics
The terms “short form” and “long form” (also known as “informal” and “formal” or “plain” and “polite”) refer to different levels of speech politeness in Japanese. These forms can change depending on the context, the relationship between the speakers, and the setting.
The long form is typically used in formal situations, such as business meetings, with strangers, or with people of higher social status. It is marked by the use of the polite ending “〜ます” for verbs and “〜です” for adjectives and nouns. For example:
– 食べます (tabemasu) – “to eat” in long form.
– です (desu) – “to be” in long form.
The short form, on the other hand, is used in casual conversations with friends, family, or people of the same social status. It is characterized by the base form of the verb without any additional endings. For example:
– 食べる (taberu) – “to eat” in short form.
– だ (da) – “to be” in short form.
Verb Conjugation
Verbs in Japanese can be divided into three groups: Group 1 (Godan verbs), Group 2 (Ichidan verbs), and irregular verbs. Each group follows different rules for conjugation in both the short and long forms.
Group 1 (Godan Verbs)
Godan verbs end in various consonants. In the long form, these verbs typically end in “〜ます.” For example:
– 書く (kaku) – “to write” becomes 書きます (kakimasu) in long form.
– 読む (yomu) – “to read” becomes 読みます (yomimasu) in long form.
In the short form, these verbs retain their base endings:
– 書く (kaku) – “to write.”
– 読む (yomu) – “to read.”
Group 2 (Ichidan Verbs)
Ichidan verbs end in “〜る” and follow a simpler pattern. In the long form, they end in “〜ます”:
– 食べる (taberu) – “to eat” becomes 食べます (tabemasu).
– 見る (miru) – “to see” becomes 見ます (mimasu).
In the short form, they retain their base endings:
– 食べる (taberu) – “to eat.”
– 見る (miru) – “to see.”
Irregular Verbs
There are only a few irregular verbs in Japanese, and they have unique conjugation patterns:
– する (suru) – “to do” becomes します (shimasu) in long form and する (suru) in short form.
– 来る (kuru) – “to come” becomes 来ます (kimasu) in long form and 来る (kuru) in short form.
Adjective Conjugation
Adjectives in Japanese are divided into two categories: い-adjectives and な-adjectives. Each type follows different rules for conjugation.
い-Adjectives
い-adjectives end in “〜い” and can be conjugated into both short and long forms:
– 高い (takai) – “high” or “expensive.”
– Short form: 高い (takai).
– Long form: 高いです (takai desu).
な-Adjectives
な-adjectives require the addition of “です” in the long form:
– きれい (kirei) – “beautiful” or “clean.”
– Short form: きれいだ (kirei da).
– Long form: きれいです (kirei desu).
Noun Conjugation
Nouns in Japanese can also be conjugated into short and long forms, mainly by attaching “だ” or “です”:
– 学生 (gakusei) – “student.”
– Short form: 学生だ (gakusei da).
– Long form: 学生です (gakusei desu).
Positive and Negative Forms
Both short and long forms can be conjugated into positive and negative statements. Understanding these forms is essential for expressing a wide range of meanings in Japanese.
Positive Forms
As covered earlier, the positive forms in both short and long forms are straightforward:
– Short form: 食べる (taberu) – “to eat.”
– Long form: 食べます (tabemasu) – “to eat.”
Negative Forms
The negative form in Japanese can be a bit more complex, as it requires a different conjugation pattern.
For verbs:
– Short form negative: 食べない (tabenai) – “not to eat.”
– Long form negative: 食べません (tabemasen) – “not to eat.”
For い-adjectives:
– Short form negative: 高くない (takakunai) – “not high/expensive.”
– Long form negative: 高くないです (takakunai desu) – “not high/expensive.”
For な-adjectives:
– Short form negative: きれいじゃない (kirei janai) – “not beautiful/clean.”
– Long form negative: きれいじゃないです (kirei janai desu) – “not beautiful/clean.”
For nouns:
– Short form negative: 学生じゃない (gakusei janai) – “not a student.”
– Long form negative: 学生じゃないです (gakusei janai desu) – “not a student.”
Past Tense
Conjugating verbs, adjectives, and nouns into the past tense also varies between short and long forms.
Verbs
For verbs:
– Short form past positive: 食べた (tabeta) – “ate.”
– Long form past positive: 食べました (tabemashita) – “ate.”
– Short form past negative: 食べなかった (tabenakatta) – “did not eat.”
– Long form past negative: 食べませんでした (tabemasen deshita) – “did not eat.”
Adjectives
For い-adjectives:
– Short form past positive: 高かった (takakatta) – “was high/expensive.”
– Long form past positive: 高かったです (takakatta desu) – “was high/expensive.”
– Short form past negative: 高くなかった (takakunakatta) – “was not high/expensive.”
– Long form past negative: 高くなかったです (takakunakatta desu) – “was not high/expensive.”
For な-adjectives:
– Short form past positive: きれいだった (kirei datta) – “was beautiful/clean.”
– Long form past positive: きれいでした (kirei deshita) – “was beautiful/clean.”
– Short form past negative: きれいじゃなかった (kirei janakatta) – “was not beautiful/clean.”
– Long form past negative: きれいじゃなかったです (kirei janakatta desu) – “was not beautiful/clean.”
Nouns
For nouns:
– Short form past positive: 学生だった (gakusei datta) – “was a student.”
– Long form past positive: 学生でした (gakusei deshita) – “was a student.”
– Short form past negative: 学生じゃなかった (gakusei janakatta) – “was not a student.”
– Long form past negative: 学生じゃなかったです (gakusei janakatta desu) – “was not a student.”
Usage in Conversation
Deciding when to use short form versus long form can be challenging, but it ultimately comes down to the context of the conversation and the relationship between the speakers.
Formal Situations
In formal situations, such as business meetings, speaking with strangers, or addressing someone of higher social status, the long form should be used to show respect and politeness. For example:
– 田中さんは日本語を勉強していますか？ (Tanaka-san wa nihongo o benkyou shiteimasu ka?) – “Mr. Tanaka, are you studying Japanese?”
Casual Situations
In casual situations, such as conversations with friends or family, the short form is more appropriate. It reflects a sense of closeness and familiarity. For example:
– 何してるの？ (Nani shiteru no?) – “What are you doing?”
Mixed Situations
Sometimes, conversations can involve both formal and casual elements, especially in mixed company or with acquaintances. In these cases, it’s essential to gauge the level of formality needed and adjust your speech accordingly.
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding of short form and long form in Japanese grammar, try these practice exercises.
Exercise 1: Verb Conjugation
Convert the following verbs from short form to long form:
1. 飲む (nomu) – “to drink.”
2. 聞く (kiku) – “to listen.”
3. 書く (kaku) – “to write.”
Answers:
1. 飲みます (nomimasu).
2. 聞きます (kikimasu).
3. 書きます (kakimasu).
Exercise 2: Adjective Conjugation
Convert the following adjectives from short form to long form:
1. 速い (hayai) – “fast.”
2. 静か (shizuka) – “quiet.”
Answers:
1. 速いです (hayai desu).
2. 静かです (shizuka desu).
Exercise 3: Negative Forms
Convert the following sentences from positive to negative form:
1. 私は学生です (Watashi wa gakusei desu) – “I am a student.”
2. 彼は元気です (Kare wa genki desu) – “He is well.”
Answers:
1. 私は学生じゃないです (Watashi wa gakusei janai desu).
2. 彼は元気じゃないです (Kare wa genki janai desu).
Exercise 4: Past Tense
Convert the following sentences from present to past tense:
1. 彼女は食べます (Kanojo wa tabemasu) – “She eats.”
2. その映画は面白いです (Sono eiga wa omoshiroi desu) – “That movie is interesting.”
Answers:
1. 彼女は食べました (Kanojo wa tabemashita).
2. その映画は面白かったです (Sono eiga wa omoshirokatta desu).
Conclusion
Mastering the use of short form and long form in Japanese grammar is essential for effective communication. By understanding the differences and practicing regularly, you’ll be able to navigate various social situations with ease. Remember, the key to fluency is consistent practice and exposure to real-life conversations. Keep practicing, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes—they’re an essential part of the learning process. Happy studying!
