Back to grammar search

ました (Polite Past)

[Verb Stem]ました

Explanation

Polite past tense form indicating completed actions.

Formation

Verb stem + ました

Examples

昨日勉強しました。
Kinou benkyou shimashita.
I studied yesterday.
See in analyzer →
もう食べました。
Mou tabemashita.
I already ate.
See in analyzer →
日本に行きました。
Nihon ni ikimashita.
I went to Japan.
See in analyzer →

Usage Notes

  • Indicates completed action
  • Doesn't specify how long ago
  • Regular formation for all verb types
  • Also used for experiences

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Past tense doesn't indicate present relevance (unlike English present perfect)
  • もう + ました = already did (not "more")
  • Don't confuse with ています for ongoing states

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.

ません (Polite Negative)

[Verb Stem]ません

Polite negative form for present/future.

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"