う-Verb (Negative-Past)

This is the past negative form for u-verbs (godan verbs). To form it, take the dictionary form of the verb (う-verb), replace the final -u with -a, and then add -なかった. In other words, the root syllable changes from the -u row to the -a row, and you attach なかった to indicate 'did not do'. This pattern is used in plain past tense; you can also add polite endings like です/ました in appropriate contexts. Examples: 行く → 行かなかった (I didn’t go); 飲む → 飲まなかった (I didn’t drink); 書く → 書かなかった (I didn’t write); 泳ぐ → 泳がなかった (I didn’t swim). This form is common in everyday talk and basic narratives at the beginner level.