Verbs (Non-past)
JLPT Level: N5
Meanings
Describes actions in the present or future
Plain present/future tense of verbs
General statements or habitual actions
Usage
Verb (dictionary form) + (non-past meaning)
Explanation
In Japanese, the non-past form of verbs (the dictionary form) is used to describe actions in the present or to talk about future plans. It is the basic, plain form that you’ll see in dictionaries and in casual, everyday speech. This form is not time-marked by itself; context determines whether it refers to now or to the future.
今日、学校へ行く。
きょう、がっこうへいく。
I will go to school today / I go to school today.
毎朝コーヒーを飲む。
まいあさコーヒーをのむ。
I drink coffee every morning.
彼は明日家に来る。
かれはあしたいえにくる。
He will come home tomorrow.
私は昼ごはんを食べる。
わたしはひるごはんをたべる。
I eat lunch / I will eat lunch.