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ません (Polite Negative)

[Verb Stem]ません

Explanation

Polite negative form for present/future.

Formation

Verb stem + ません

Examples

コーヒーを飲みません。
Koohii o nomimasen.
I don't drink coffee.
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明日行きません。
Ashita ikimasen.
I won't go tomorrow.
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日本語が分かりません。
Nihongo ga wakarimasen.
I don't understand Japanese.
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Usage Notes

  • Covers both "don't" and "won't"
  • More polite than ない form
  • Used for habits, states, and future
  • わかりません is softer than 知りません for "I don't know"

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Remember が with わかる (not を)
  • Context determines present vs future meaning
  • Don't use double negatives unintentionally

Related Grammar from "Verb Forms and Conjugations"

ます-form (Polite Present/Future)

[Verb Stem]ます

Polite form for present habitual actions or future intentions.

ました (Polite Past)

[Verb Stem]ました

Polite past tense form indicating completed actions.

ませんでした (Polite Past Negative)

[Verb Stem]ませんでした

Polite negative past tense.

More from "Verb Forms and Conjugations"