Overview
書きます (kakimasu) is a fundamental and frequently used Japanese verb meaning 'to write.' It is presented here in its ます form (masu-form), which is the polite, non-past affirmative form used in everyday conversations and formal settings. This form is derived from the plain form (dictionary form), 書く (kaku). The ます form is crucial for learners as it allows for polite communication and is a building block for many other verb conjugations.
Let's break down its components: the kanji 書 (sho/ka) literally means 'to write' or 'document.' The hiragana き (ki) is part of the verb stem, and ます (masu) is the polite ending. Understanding the ます form is key because it indicates politeness and is used when speaking to elders, superiors, or in general polite situations. It is also used when you want to express something definitively and courteously.
Beyond just 'to write,' 書きます can be used in various contexts, such as writing a letter (手紙を書きます - tegami o kakimasu), writing an essay (作文を書きます - sakubun o kakimasu), drawing a picture (絵を描きます - e o kakimasu - note: while the kanji is the same, the nuance shifts to 'to draw' with 'picture'), or even writing code (コードを書きます - kōdo o kakimasu).
To conjugate 書きます into other forms, you typically revert to its plain form, 書く (kaku). From 書く, you can form:
* **Past polite:** 書きました (kakimashita - wrote)
- Past negative polite: 書きませんでした (kakimasen deshita - did not write)
- Te-form: 書いて (kaite - writing, and/or, write and...)
* **Potential form:** 書けます (kakemasu - can write)
The versatility of 書きます makes it an essential verb to master early in your Japanese language journey. Pay close attention to the particles that precede it, as they often indicate the object being written (e.g., を 'o' for direct objects) or the instrument used for writing (e.g., で 'de' for means/instrument).
Beispiele
手紙を書きます。
Daily lifeI will write a letter.
絵を書きます。
Art/HobbiesI will draw a picture.
レポートを書きます。
Work/SchoolI will write a report.
日記を書きます。
Personal habitsI will write a diary.
漢字を書きます。
Language learningI will write kanji.
Häufige Kollokationen
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Similar meaning of 'to draw' or 'to paint', but 書きます specifically means 'to write'.
書物 (shomotsu) means 'book' or 'document', which is a noun related to writing, but not the verb itself.
Grammatikmuster
So verwendest du es
Nutzungshinweise
'書きます' (kakimasu) is the polite present/future affirmative form of the verb '書く' (kaku), meaning 'to write.' It is used in formal or polite contexts when addressing someone of higher status, a stranger, or in general polite conversation. The direct object of the verb is typically marked with the particle 'を' (o), indicating what is being written. For example, '手紙を書きます' (tegami o kakimasu) means 'I write a letter' or 'I will write a letter.' The place where one writes can be indicated by the particle 'で' (de), as in '部屋で書きます' (heya de kakimasu), 'I write in the room.' When referring to the tool used for writing, the particle 'で' is also used, such as 'ペンで書きます' (pen de kakimasu), 'I write with a pen.' The plain form '書く' is used in casual conversation among friends or family, in dictionaries, and as part of grammatical structures like dictionary form verbs. Other conjugated forms include '書きません' (kakimasen - polite negative), '書きました' (kakimashita - polite past affirmative), and '書きませんでした' (kakimasen deshita - polite past negative). Understanding these conjugations and particle usage is crucial for accurate and natural communication in Japanese.
Häufige Fehler
Some common mistakes include confusing the pronunciation with similar-sounding words or incorrectly conjugating the verb. Forgetting the polite ます ending or using the wrong particle with the verb (e.g., を instead of で for the instrument) are also frequent errors. Additionally, incorrectly writing the kanji for 書 (kaku) can be a mistake for learners focused on handwriting.
Tipps
Usage Note
「書きます」 (kakimasu) is a polite form of the verb 「書く」 (kaku), which means 'to write' or 'to draw/paint'. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and formal settings.
Distinction with 「描きます」
While 「書きます」 can mean 'to draw' or 'to paint', 「描きます」 (えがきます - egakimasu) is more specifically used for drawing or painting pictures with a focus on artistic expression. 「書きます」 is more general and can refer to writing characters, letters, or even simple sketches.
Kanji Variations
The kanji for 'write' is 「書」. However, when it means 'to draw' or 'to paint', it can sometimes be written with 「描」. Pay attention to context to differentiate.
Wortherkunft
From Old Japanese 書く (kaku). The modern form 書きます (kakimasu) is the polite present form. The root kaku is believed to have an onomatopoeic origin, mimicking the sound of scratching or drawing. It shares cognates with other Ryukyuan languages. For example, in Okinawan, the word for 'to write' is 書ちゅん (kacun). The kanji 書 is a phono-semantic character, combining 聿 (yù, 'hand holding a writing brush') and 曰 (yuē, 'to speak'). Over time, its usage evolved from primarily meaning 'to scratch' or 'to draw lines' to specifically 'to write' with the development of writing systems in Japan. The -masu ending is a modern development in Japanese, indicating politeness and formality, emerging during the Muromachi period and solidifying in the Edo period. The word has been consistently used in Japanese literature and daily communication throughout its history, appearing in ancient texts such as the Man'yōshū. Its semantic range expanded slightly over centuries to include 'to compose' or 'to draft,' especially for literary works or official documents. The character 書 also has various derived meanings and compounds, such as 書道 (shodō, 'calligraphy') and 書物 (shomotsu, 'books'). The phonetic changes from Old Japanese to Modern Japanese, including vowel shifts and the standardization of verb conjugations, have shaped its current form and pronunciation. The etymological depth of '書きます' thus traces a rich linguistic and cultural history tied to the development of writing itself in Japan.
Kultureller Kontext
The Japanese verb '書きます' (kakimasu) means 'to write.' In Japanese culture, written communication holds significant importance, both historically and in modern society. Calligraphy (shodo) is a revered art form, emphasizing the aesthetic beauty and spiritual depth of written characters. The act of writing itself can be seen as a meditative practice. In daily life, written greetings, thank-you notes, and formal correspondence are common and often follow specific etiquette. For instance, when writing letters, there are established formats for opening and closing remarks depending on the recipient's status and relationship. The choice of stationery and writing instruments can also convey respect and thoughtfulness. Furthermore, the Japanese writing system, comprising kanji (Chinese characters), hiragana, and katakana, reflects a rich linguistic and cultural heritage, where each character often carries layers of meaning and historical context. Understanding '書きます' goes beyond its literal translation to encompass these broader cultural nuances of communication and artistry.
Merkhilfe
Visualize a brush writing kanji. The 'ka' (か) looks like a simplified brushstroke, 'ki' (き) has a flowing line, and 'masu' (ます) is a common polite ending. Imagine someone writing with a brush while saying 'kakimasu'.
Teste dich selbst
私は___を書きません。
Which of these is the 'te-form' of 書きます?
Translate 'I wrote a letter.' into Japanese.
Ergebnis: /3
Usage Note
「書きます」 (kakimasu) is a polite form of the verb 「書く」 (kaku), which means 'to write' or 'to draw/paint'. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and formal settings.
Distinction with 「描きます」
While 「書きます」 can mean 'to draw' or 'to paint', 「描きます」 (えがきます - egakimasu) is more specifically used for drawing or painting pictures with a focus on artistic expression. 「書きます」 is more general and can refer to writing characters, letters, or even simple sketches.
Kanji Variations
The kanji for 'write' is 「書」. However, when it means 'to draw' or 'to paint', it can sometimes be written with 「描」. Pay attention to context to differentiate.
Beispiele
5 von 5手紙を書きます。
I will write a letter.
絵を書きます。
I will draw a picture.
レポートを書きます。
I will write a report.
日記を書きます。
I will write a diary.
漢字を書きます。
I will write kanji.
Verwandte Inhalte
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欠席する
A2To be absent.
抽象的
A1Describes something that is based on general ideas or concepts rather than specific physical objects or examples. It is often used to talk about thoughts, art, or explanations that are not easy to see or touch.
後天的
B2Refers to qualities, skills, or traits acquired through experience, learning, or environmental influence after birth.
応用
A1The act of applying a principle, theory, or knowledge to a practical situation or a different context. It is commonly used in education and science to describe moving from basic concepts to complex, real-world problems.
適性
B2A natural ability or suitability for a specific role, task, or academic path. It refers to the fitness of an individual's character or skills to a certain environment.
恣意的
B2Based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system. Often used in academic writing to criticize research methods or data selection.
出席する
A2To attend.
ボールペン
A2ballpoint pen
基本
A1Kihon refers to the fundamentals or basics of a subject, skill, or system. it describes the essential foundation that one must master before advancing to more complex levels.
有益
B2Being useful, beneficial, or profitable. It describes something that brings a positive effect or helps in achieving a goal.
