あるきます

The Japanese verb あるきます (arukimasu), which is the polite form of the dictionary form あるく (aruku), fundamentally translates to 'to walk' or 'to stroll'. This verb is one of the most essential and frequently used action verbs in the Japanese language, representing the basic human bipedal movement. Understanding this verb is crucial for learners as it forms the foundation for discussing daily routines, commuting, giving or receiving directions, and engaging in physical exercise. The kanji used for this verb is 歩, which is composed of the elements 止 (stop) and a variation of 少 (little), historically representing two feet taking steps one after the other. When you use あるきます, you are indicating a deliberate, step-by-step movement on foot, contrasting sharply with はしります (hashirimasu), which means to run, or vehicles like くるま (kuruma) and じてんしゃ (jitensha). In Japanese culture, where public transportation is highly developed and walking is a significant part of the daily commute, this verb appears constantly in everyday conversation. Whether you are walking from the train station to your office, taking a leisurely stroll through a park, or hiking up a gentle trail, あるきます is the appropriate verb to describe your action.

Primary Definition

To move forward by putting one foot in front of the other; to travel on foot.

Beyond the literal physical movement, the concept of walking in Japanese can also extend to metaphorical journeys, though the polite form あるきます is most commonly reserved for literal, physical steps. When discussing the duration or the path of walking, Japanese uses specific particles. For instance, the particle を (o) is used to indicate the space or path that is being traversed, which is a common point of confusion for English speakers who might expect the particle に (ni) or で (de). Therefore, 'to walk in the park' is 公園をあるきます (kouen o arukimasu), highlighting the park as the medium through which the walking occurs. This spatial usage of を is a vital grammatical nuance that elevates a learner's proficiency from basic to intermediate.

Grammatical Classification

Group 1 (Godan) verb ending in 'ku'.

The conjugation of this verb follows the standard rules for Group 1 verbs. The stem is あるき (aruki), to which the polite suffix ます (masu) is attached. In its negative form, it becomes あるきません (arukimasen). The past tense is あるきました (arukimashita), and the past negative is あるきませんでした (arukimasendeshita). Mastering these basic conjugations allows learners to describe their past actions, present habits, and future intentions regarding walking. Furthermore, the te-form, あるいて (aruite), is incredibly useful. It is used to connect sentences, make requests (あるいてください - please walk), or describe the method of transportation (あるいていきます - to go by walking/on foot). This versatility makes あるきます a powerhouse verb in the beginner's vocabulary arsenal.

Related Concepts

Strolling (散歩する - sanpo suru), Commuting (通勤する - tsuukin suru).

In summary, あるきます is not just a vocabulary word; it is a gateway to describing a fundamental aspect of daily life in Japan. From navigating the bustling streets of Tokyo to enjoying the serene paths of Kyoto's temples, the ability to articulate the act of walking is indispensable. By understanding its literal meaning, its grammatical behavior with particles like を, and its various conjugations, learners can significantly enhance their communicative competence in Japanese.

Using the verb あるきます correctly involves understanding its grammatical category, its conjugation patterns, and the specific particles it requires in various contexts. As a Group 1 (Godan) verb ending in the syllable 'ku' (く) in its dictionary form (あるく), it follows a predictable and essential conjugation pattern that every Japanese learner must master. The polite form, あるきます, is constructed by changing the final 'u' vowel sound to an 'i' vowel sound (ku becomes ki) and adding the polite suffix 'masu'. This form is appropriate for most everyday situations, including speaking with acquaintances, colleagues, strangers, and in general polite discourse. When you want to express that you do not walk, you use the negative polite form, あるきません (arukimasen). For actions completed in the past, such as walking to work yesterday, you use the past polite form, あるきました (arukimashita). If you did not walk, the past negative form is あるきませんでした (arukimasendeshita). These four basic forms constitute the cornerstone of using this verb in standard polite Japanese conversation.

Basic Conjugations

あるきます (Present/Future Affirmative), あるきません (Present/Future Negative), あるきました (Past Affirmative), あるきませんでした (Past Negative).

One of the most critical aspects of using あるきます is mastering its 'te-form' (て形), which is あるいて (aruite). The te-form is a grammatical powerhouse in Japanese. For Group 1 verbs ending in 'ku', the 'ku' is typically replaced by 'ite' (with the exception of 行く, which becomes 行って). The te-form of walking, あるいて, is frequently used to describe the means of transportation. When someone asks how you get to school or work, and you go on foot, you say あるいていきます (aruite ikimasu), literally meaning 'walking, I go'. This is a very natural and common phrasing. Furthermore, the te-form is used for making requests. If you are giving directions and want to tell someone to walk straight, you would say まっすぐあるいてください (massugu aruite kudasai). It can also be used to connect sequential actions, such as 'I walked to the store and bought bread' (スーパーまであるいて、パンを買いました - suupaa made aruite, pan o kaimashita).

The Te-Form Usage

あるいて (aruite) is used for linking actions, making requests, and indicating 'on foot' as a method of travel.

Particle usage is another vital component of correctly using あるきます. As a verb of motion, it interacts with particles differently than stationary action verbs. To indicate the destination you are walking towards, you use the particle に (ni) or へ (e). For example, 'I walk to the station' is 駅にあるきます (eki ni arukimasu) or 駅へあるきます (eki e arukimasu). To indicate the starting point, you use から (kara), and for the endpoint, まで (made). So, 'I walk from home to the station' is 家から駅まであるきます (ie kara eki made arukimasu). The most distinctive particle usage, however, is with the particle を (o). While を is typically the direct object marker, with verbs of continuous motion like walking, running, or flying, it marks the space or path being traversed. Therefore, 'to walk along the street' is 道をあるきます (michi o arukimasu), and 'to walk across the bridge' is 橋をあるきます (hashi o arukimasu). Using で (de) instead of を in these contexts would imply an action happening within a confined location rather than movement through a space, which sounds unnatural to native speakers.

Particle Rules

Use に/へ for destination, から/まで for start/end points, and を for the path traversed.

Advanced usages of the verb involve potential, volitional, and conditional forms. The potential form, meaning 'can walk', is あるけます (arukemasu). This is useful for discussing physical ability or recovery from an injury (e.g., 足が治って、あるけます - My leg healed, and I can walk). The volitional form, 'let's walk', is あるきましょう (arukimashou), perfect for suggesting a stroll with a friend. By mastering these various forms and their associated particles, learners can express a wide array of nuanced thoughts and intentions centered around the simple yet profound act of walking.

The verb あるきます is ubiquitous in Japanese daily life, echoing through various contexts ranging from casual conversations about daily routines to formal instructions in public spaces. Japan is a country where walking is a fundamental mode of transportation, deeply integrated into the lifestyle of its residents. Consequently, you will hear this verb constantly when people discuss their commutes. In major metropolitan areas like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, the public transportation network is incredibly dense, meaning that almost every journey involves walking to and from train stations or bus stops. It is incredibly common to hear colleagues at work or friends discussing their commute times, saying things like '駅から会社まで十分あるきます' (eki kara kaisha made juppun arukimasu - I walk for ten minutes from the station to the office). This verb is essential for describing the logistics of daily movement, making it one of the first verbs learners encounter and use in practical, real-world situations.

Commuting Contexts

Frequently used to describe the walking portion of a journey to work or school.

Another primary context where あるきます is heavily utilized is in giving and receiving directions. When navigating the intricate streets of Japanese cities, tourists and locals alike frequently ask for directions. The responses inevitably involve instructions on how to move, with the te-form of the verb, あるいて (aruite), being particularly prominent. You will hear phrases such as 'この道をまっすぐあるいてください' (kono michi o massugu aruite kudasai - please walk straight down this street) or 'あの角まであるいて、右に曲がってください' (ano kado made aruite, migi ni magatte kudasai - walk to that corner and turn right). In these situations, the verb is not just descriptive but directive, guiding the listener's physical actions. Mastery of this verb in the context of directions is a survival skill for anyone traveling or living in Japan, as it allows for smooth navigation and interaction with helpful locals.

Navigational Contexts

Essential for giving, receiving, and understanding street directions.

Health and fitness discussions also frequently feature the verb あるきます. In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on walking for health in Japan, often referred to as ウォーキング (wookingu). Doctors advise patients to walk more, and people set daily step goals. You might hear someone say '健康のために、毎日一時間あるきます' (kenkou no tame ni, mainichi ichijikan arukimasu - I walk for an hour every day for my health). In this context, the verb represents a deliberate, health-conscious activity rather than just a means of getting from point A to point B. It reflects a lifestyle choice and a commitment to physical well-being. Furthermore, in recreational contexts, such as hiking or taking a stroll in a park, the verb is used to describe leisure activities. While 散歩します (sanpo shimasu) is often used for a leisurely stroll, あるきます remains the foundational verb for the physical act of walking in these environments.

Health and Fitness

Used to describe walking as a deliberate exercise or health regimen.

Finally, you will encounter あるきます in public announcements and signage, often in its negative or prohibitive forms. Train stations, escalators, and moving walkways frequently have signs or automated announcements reminding people of safety rules. For instance, you might hear 'エスカレーターではあるかないでください' (esukareetaa de wa arukanaide kudasai - please do not walk on the escalator) or see signs indicating '歩きスマホはやめましょう' (aruki sumaho wa yamemashou - let's stop using smartphones while walking). In these instances, the verb is used to regulate public behavior and ensure safety in crowded spaces. Understanding these announcements is crucial for adhering to social norms and maintaining public harmony in Japan's densely populated environments.

When learning the verb あるきます, students frequently encounter a few specific stumbling blocks, primarily related to particle usage, the te-form construction, and confusing it with other modes of transportation or related vocabulary. The most prevalent and persistent mistake among English speakers and learners from other linguistic backgrounds is the incorrect application of the particle で (de) when describing the space through which one walks. In English, we say 'walk IN the park' or 'walk ON the street'. Because the Japanese particle で is used to indicate the location where an action takes place (e.g., レストランで食べます - eat at a restaurant), learners naturally assume they should say 公園であるきます (kouen de arukimasu) to mean 'walk in the park'. However, in Japanese grammar, verbs of continuous motion that traverse a space—such as walking, running, flying, or passing through—require the particle を (o). Therefore, the correct phrasing is 公園をあるきます (kouen o arukimasu). Using で implies that the walking is an activity confined to a specific spot, almost like walking on a treadmill within the park, rather than moving through the park's space.

Particle Error: で vs を

Incorrect: 公園であるきます。 Correct: 公園をあるきます。

Another common mistake involves expressing the concept of 'going on foot'. In English, 'on foot' functions similarly to 'by car' or 'by bus'. In Japanese, the particle で is used to indicate a means or tool, so learners often say バスでいきます (basu de ikimasu - go by bus) or 車でいきます (kuruma de ikimasu - go by car). Following this logic, a learner might try to say あるきでいきます (aruki de ikimasu) or 徒歩でいきます (toho de ikimasu - which is technically correct but very formal). However, the most natural and common way to say 'I will go on foot' using the verb あるく is to use its te-form: あるいていきます (aruite ikimasu), which literally translates to 'walking, I go'. Attempting to force the verb stem into a noun-like structure with the particle で is grammatically awkward and immediately marks the speaker as a novice. Mastering the phrase あるいていきます is a crucial step in sounding natural when discussing transportation.

'On Foot' Error

Incorrect: あるきでいきます。 Correct: あるいていきます。

Conjugation errors also plague beginners, particularly when forming the te-form and the past tense (ta-form). Because あるきます is a Group 1 (Godan) verb ending in 'ku', its te-form is あるいて (aruite) and its ta-form is あるいた (aruita). A common mistake is confusing it with Group 2 (Ichidan) verbs and simply dropping the 'masu' to add 'te', resulting in the incorrect form あるきて (arukite). Another confusion arises with the exception verb 行く (iku - to go), which also ends in 'ku' but has an irregular te-form, 行って (itte). Learners sometimes overgeneralize this exception and incorrectly conjugate あるく as あるって (arutte). It is essential to drill the standard 'ku' -> 'ite' conjugation rule to avoid these fundamental morphological errors. Consistent practice with conjugation tables and listening to native speakers will help solidify the correct forms in the learner's mind.

Conjugation Errors

Incorrect: あるきて / あるって。 Correct: あるいて。

Lastly, learners sometimes confuse あるきます with 散歩します (sanpo shimasu). While both involve walking, their nuances are different. あるきます is the physical act of walking, often with a destination in mind or as a mode of transport. 散歩します specifically means 'to take a stroll' or 'to go for a walk' for leisure, without a specific destination. Saying 駅まで散歩します (eki made sanpo shimasu - I stroll to the station) sounds slightly odd if you are commuting, as commuting implies a purpose and destination, making 駅まであるきます (eki made arukimasu) the correct choice. Understanding the semantic boundaries of these verbs ensures accurate and contextually appropriate communication.

While あるきます is the most fundamental and versatile verb for 'to walk' in Japanese, the language possesses a rich vocabulary of similar words and related expressions that convey specific nuances, purposes, and styles of walking. Understanding these synonyms and related terms allows learners to express themselves more precisely and comprehend native speakers more fully. The most common related word that learners encounter early on is 散歩します (sanpo shimasu), which translates to 'to take a walk' or 'to stroll'. The key distinction between あるきます and 散歩します lies in the purpose and destination. あるきます focuses on the physical mechanics of walking and is often used when there is a specific destination, such as walking to the station (駅にあるきます). In contrast, 散歩します implies a leisurely activity done for pleasure, relaxation, or light exercise, typically without a strict destination. You might take a stroll in the park (公園を散歩します) to enjoy the weather, whereas you would walk through the park (公園をあるきます) if it were on your route to work.

散歩します (sanpo shimasu)

To stroll or take a leisurely walk for pleasure or exercise.

Another important related term is 徒歩 (toho), a noun that means 'walking' or 'going on foot'. This word is primarily used in formal contexts, written language, and specifically in real estate listings or directional guides. When you look at an apartment listing in Japan, it will often state the distance from the nearest train station using this word, such as '駅から徒歩5分' (eki kara toho go-fun), meaning 'a 5-minute walk from the station'. While you wouldn't typically use 徒歩 in casual conversation to say 'I will go on foot' (where you would use あるいていきます), recognizing this noun is essential for navigating daily life, reading maps, and understanding formal documentation in Japan.

徒歩 (toho)

A formal noun meaning 'on foot', commonly used in written directions and real estate.

For more specific types of walking, Japanese offers descriptive verbs and compound words. For instance, 歩行 (hokou) is a formal noun meaning 'walking' or 'pedestrian movement', often seen in legal or medical contexts, such as 歩行者 (hokousha - pedestrian) or 歩行困難 (hokou konnan - difficulty walking). If you want to describe the manner of walking, you might use adverbs with あるきます, or specific verbs. For example, さまよう (samayou) means to wander or roam aimlessly, carrying a poetic or sometimes negative connotation of being lost. ぶらぶらする (burabura suru) is an onomatopoeic expression meaning to stroll aimlessly or wander about idly, often used when window shopping or killing time. These nuanced words paint a clearer picture of the action than the generic あるきます alone.

歩行 (hokou)

Formal noun for pedestrian movement or the act of walking.

Finally, it is helpful to contrast あるきます with its direct opposite in terms of speed: はしります (hashirimasu - to run). While both are verbs of motion traversing space (and thus both take the particle を), they represent different gears of human movement. Knowing when to use which is basic but crucial. In emergency situations or when in a hurry, you transition from あるく to はしる. By understanding あるきます within this network of related vocabulary—from the leisurely 散歩する to the formal 徒歩, and the contrasting はしる—learners gain a comprehensive grasp of how to articulate movement on foot in Japanese.