Unit 5 - Section 1: Verb Types

Practice Quiz

Verb Types in Japanese

Understanding verb types is crucial for conjugation in Japanese. There are three main groups of verbs, each with different conjugation rules.

The Three Verb Groups
Group 1: る-verbs (Ichidan Verbs / 一段動詞)

Rule: Verbs ending in -eru (〜える) or -iru (〜いる)

How to identify: The syllable before る is from the "e" or "i" row of hiragana

Examples:

  • 食べる (taberu) - to eat
  • 見る (miru) - to see/watch
  • 起きる (okiru) - to wake up
  • 寝る (neru) - to sleep
  • 教える (oshieru) - to teach
Group 2: う-verbs (Godan Verbs / 五段動詞)

Rule: Most verbs ending in う, く, ぐ, す, つ, ぬ, ぶ, む, or る

How to identify: The syllable before る is NOT from the "e" or "i" row

Examples:

  • 買う (kau) - to buy
  • 書く (kaku) - to write
  • 泳ぐ (oyogu) - to swim
  • 話す (hanasu) - to speak
  • 待つ (matsu) - to wait
  • 読む (yomu) - to read
  • 遊ぶ (asobu) - to play
Group 3: Irregular Verbs (不規則動詞)

Only TWO verbs!

  • する (suru) - to do
  • 来る (kuru) - to come

Tricky Cases: Exceptions

Some verbs ending in -eru or -iru are actually Group 2 (う-verbs), not Group 1!

Verb Reading Meaning Actual Group
帰る kaeru to return home Group 2 (う-verb)
切る kiru to cut Group 2 (う-verb)
入る hairu to enter Group 2 (う-verb)
走る hashiru to run Group 2 (う-verb)
知る shiru to know Group 2 (う-verb)

Why? These verbs historically had different endings. You'll need to memorize these exceptions!

Common Verbs by Group

Group 1 (る-verbs):
食べる
taberu - to eat
見る
miru - to see
起きる
okiru - to wake up
寝る
neru - to sleep
着る
kiru - to wear
Group 2 (う-verbs):
行く
iku - to go
書く
kaku - to write
話す
hanasu - to speak
読む
yomu - to read
飲む
nomu - to drink
Group 3 (Irregular):
する
suru - to do
来る
kuru - to come
勉強する
benkyou suru - to study
料理する
ryouri suru - to cook
運転する
unten suru - to drive

Note: Many verbs can be made by adding する to a noun. For example: 勉強 (study) + する = 勉強する (to study)

Quick Identification Guide

How to determine the verb group:
  1. Is it する or 来る? → Group 3 (Irregular)
  2. Does it end in -eru (〜える) or -iru (〜いる)?
    • Check if it's an exception (帰る, 切る, 入る, etc.) → Group 2
    • If not an exception → Group 1
  3. Does it end in any other way? (う, く, ぐ, す, つ, ぬ, ぶ, む, or other る) → Group 2

Study Tips

  • Memorize the exceptions: There aren't many, so learn them well
  • Practice grouping: Every time you learn a new verb, identify its group
  • Why it matters: Each group conjugates differently, so knowing the group is essential
  • Start simple: Focus on the most common verbs in each group first
  • Make flashcards: Create cards with the verb, meaning, and group
Course Navigation
Study Tips
  • Read each example carefully
  • Practice pronunciation aloud
  • Create your own sentences to reinforce memory
  • Finish the section quiz