動詞
dōshi[do̞ːɕi]
The Japanese word for "verbs" is 動詞 (dōshi).
Which one should you use?
When discussing specific types of verbs, Japanese uses the term 自動詞 (jidōshi) for intransitive verbs, which literally means "self-moving word" and 他動詞 (tadōshi) for transitive verbs, which literally means "other-moving word".
How does it change in a sentence?
The process of changing a verb's form, known as conjugation, is called 動詞の活用 (dōshi no katsuyō).
How do you pronounce it?
dōshi
Did you know?
- There is a special 'honorific' way to conjugate verbs to show respect to the person the speaker is talking about, often changing the verb root entirely.
- The distinction between 自動詞 (intransitive) and 他動詞 (transitive) is so critical that many Japanese verbs come in 'transitive-intransitive pairs' where two different words describe the same action.
- Because Japanese is an agglutinative language, the 'verb' is often seen as a base that carries many different 'attachments' to change its meaning, rather than just changing its form.
Examples in context
- 不規則動詞の勉強は好きではない。I don't like learning irregular verbs.This sentence uses 動詞 to discuss studying irregular verbs.Tatoeba #5178 by bunbuku, translation #1802 by Swift
- この動詞、いつも混同しちゃうのよ。I'm always mixing these verbs up.This sentence uses 動詞 to express mixing up certain verbs.Tatoeba #11870721 by small_snow, translation #10643140 by ddnktr
- トムは他動詞と自動詞の違いが分かってないんだ。Tom doesn't understand the difference between transitive and intransitive verbs.This sentence uses 動詞 to discuss the difference between transitive and intransitive verbs.Tatoeba #10511480 by small_snow, translation #10510993 by AlanF_US
- お召し上がりになるTo eat (in a respectful manner)
- 食べます (tabemasu)I eat (polite)
- お召し上がりになります (o-meshiagari ni narimasu)Would you like to eat? (formal)
- できますか (dekimasu ka)Can you do it? (formal)
- 食べる (taberu)I eat (informal)
- 食べよう (tabeyou)Let's eat! (informal)
- できる？ (dekiru?)Can you do it? (informal)
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A student and a tutor are discussing Japanese grammar.
- 結衣 Yuiこの動詞の使い方を教えてください。Kono doushi no tsukaikata o oshiete kudasai.Please teach me how to use this verb.
- 陽太 Yotaいいですよ。動詞の活用も覚えましょう。Ii desu yo. Doushi no katsuyou mo oboemashou.Sure. Let's also learn verb conjugations.
- 結衣 Yui動詞の形はたくさんありますね。Doushi no katachi wa takusan arimasu ne.There are many verb forms, aren't there?
- 陽太 Yotaはい、練習すれば大丈夫ですよ。Hai, renshuu sureba daijoubu desu yo.Yes, you'll be fine if you practice.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 動詞, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
