る-Verb (Negative)

Ru-verbs (る-verbs) are a group of verbs that end with る in their dictionary form. To say that such a verb does not happen or is not done, you replace the final る with ない for the plain present negative. This form is the basic, most common way to negate ru-verbs in casual speech. In polite conversation, you use ません (present) or ありません (polite negative for nouns/adjectives). Past negative forms are made with なかった (plain) or ありませんでした / ませんでした (polite). The negative of ru-verbs is regular and predictable, making it easy for beginners to form negations across all ru-verbs (食べる, 見る, 着る, 寝る, etc.). Note that this rule applies only to ru-verbs; there is a different pattern for u-verbs. Typical contexts include stating preferences, abilities, plans, or factual negations about routines and habits.