読みます
yomimasu
In Japanese, the phrase for 'I read' is 読みます (yomimasu).
The phrase 読みます is used to state that the speaker is reading or knows how to read. If you wish to focus specifically on the act of engaging in reading as an activity, you might use the more formal phrase 読書をします.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 読みます can express both a habitual action and a future action. To express that you read something in the past, use the past tense form 読みました. If you want to say you cannot read something, use the negative potential form 読めません.
How do you pronounce it?
yomimasu
Did you know?
- In Japanese, you can use 読む to describe 'reading' the atmosphere, known as 空気を読む, which is a vital social skill for maintaining harmony.
- While 読みます is the standard form, the verb 読む has a special 'honorific' version お読みになる used when speaking about someone of higher status reading.
- Japanese uses the same root for 'reading' as it does for 'counting' or 'reciting' a list of items aloud.
Examples in context
- 私はラベルを読みます。I read the label.This sentence shows how to use 読みます with an object like a label.Tatoeba #4975918 by rachie, translation #3823193 by CK
- 週に何冊か本を読みます。I read several books a week.This sentence shows the use of 読みます when discussing the frequency of reading books.Tatoeba #10129739 by small_snow, translation #8560376 by CK
- 私は毎日新聞を読みます。I read the newspaper every day.This sentence illustrates the use of 読みます for a daily habit like reading the newspaper.Tatoeba #10359967 by southern_summer, translation #5649273 by CK
- Kinō hon o yomimashita. (昨日本を読みました)I read a book yesterday.
- Eiga no shinario o yonda. (映画のシナリオを読んだ)I read the movie script.
- Manga o yomu no ga suki desu. (マンガを読むのが好きです)I like reading manga.
- Watashi wa sukoshi dake yondeimasu. (私は少しだけ読んでいます)I am reading just a little.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Hiroto are discussing their hobbies in the library.
- 大翔 Hiroto美咲さんは、どんな本が好きですか。Misaki-san wa, donna hon ga suki desu ka.Misaki, what kind of books do you like?
- 美咲 Misaki私はミステリー小説をよく読みます。Watashi wa misuterii shousetsu o yoku yomimasu.I often read mystery novels.
- 大翔 Hirotoいいですね。おすすめの本はありますか。Ii desu ne. Osusume no hon wa arimasu ka.That's nice. Do you have any recommendations?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、後でリストを教えますね。Hai, ato de risuto o oshiemasu ne.Yes, I'll tell you the list later.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
