A2 verb #250 más común 4 min de lectura

書きます (書く)

This verb means to write something down.

Explanation at your level:

Hello! 書きます (kakimasu) is a word that means 'to write'. You use it when you want to put words on paper, like when you write your name or a simple sentence. For example, you can say, 'I write a letter.' In Japanese, that would be something like 'Watashi wa tegami o kakimasu.' It's a very basic and important word!

The verb 書きます (kakimasu), from its base form 書く (kaku), means 'to write'. You'll use this when you need to describe the action of writing. For instance, you might write notes during a lesson (授業でメモを書きます - jugyou de memo o kakimasu) or write a short message to a friend. It's used in many everyday situations where written communication is involved.

書きます (kakimasu), the polite form of 書く (kaku), signifies the act of writing. This is a fundamental verb used for various writing activities, from composing emails (メールを書きます - me-ru o kakimasu) to keeping a journal (日記を書きます - nikki o kakimasu). Understanding its usage is key for expressing written communication in Japanese. Remember, the plain form, kaku, is used in informal settings.

The verb 書く (kaku), appearing as 書きます (kakimasu) in its polite form, translates to 'to write'. Its application extends beyond simple transcription to include creative writing (小説を書きます - shousetsu o kakimasu) and even drawing (絵を書きます - e o kakimasu), although 描く (egaku) is often preferred for artistic drawing. Pay attention to the context to grasp the nuance; for instance, writing a formal report versus jotting down a quick note.

書く (kaku), rendered as 書きます (kakimasu) in polite speech, is a polysemous verb encompassing the act of writing, drawing, and composing. Its semantic range includes formal documentation (報告書を書く - houkokusho o kaku), artistic creation (詩を書く - shi o kaku), and even the metaphorical 'writing' of one's destiny. Mastery involves understanding its collocations and idiomatic uses, differentiating it from similar verbs like 描く (egaku) which emphasizes artistic rendering.

The verb 書く (kaku), in its formal conjugation 書きます (kakimasu), represents a core concept in human communication. Its etymological roots trace back to ancient pictograms, highlighting the fundamental nature of inscription. Beyond its literal meaning of inscribing characters or images, it can be employed metaphorically, such as in 'writing history' (歴史を書く - rekishi o kaku) or 'writing one's fate' (運命を書く - unmei o kaku). Nuanced usage requires an appreciation of its historical evolution and its role in various literary and academic registers.

Palabra en 30 segundos

  • 書きます (kakimasu) is the polite form of 書く (kaku), meaning 'to write'.
  • It's used for writing text, letters, notes, and sometimes simple drawings.
  • Distinguish it from 描く (egaku), which is used for artistic drawing.
  • Mastering its polite and plain forms is essential for everyday conversation.

Hey there! Let's dive into the super useful Japanese verb 書きます (kakimasu), which comes from its plain form, 書く (kaku). At its heart, this verb means 'to write'. Think about all the ways we use writing in English: writing a letter, writing a story, writing notes, or even writing down a phone number. Well, kaku covers all of that!

It’s a fundamental verb in Japanese, essential for everyday communication. Whether you're a student taking notes in class, an artist sketching a design, or just sending a quick message, you'll be using this verb all the time. It's so versatile!

The kanji 書 (ka/sho) itself has a long history, originating from ancient Chinese characters. The earliest forms depicted a hand holding a brush or stylus, clearly symbolizing the act of writing. Over centuries, it evolved into the character we use today.

The verb 書く (kaku) is directly derived from this kanji. Its usage has remained remarkably consistent, referring to the act of creating written characters or drawings. It's one of those core verbs that has been around for a very long time, passed down through generations of Japanese speakers.

Interestingly, in older forms of Japanese, the distinction between 'writing' and 'drawing' wasn't always as clear-cut as it is in modern English. The character 書 could encompass both, reflecting a time when artistic expression and written communication were more intertwined.

So, when do you use 書きます (kakimasu)? Pretty much anytime you're writing! You can use it to talk about writing letters (手紙を書きます - tegami o kakimasu), writing emails (メールを書きます - me-ru o kakimasu), or writing in a diary (日記を書きます - nikki o kakimasu).

It's also used for more creative acts, like writing a song (歌を書きます - uta o kakimasu) or even drawing a picture (絵を書きます - e o kakimasu), though for drawing specifically, 描く (kaku) is often preferred for more artistic drawing. But for simple sketches or diagrams, 書く is perfectly fine!

Remember, kakimasu is the polite form. For casual conversations with friends, you'd use the plain form kaku. It’s all about knowing your audience!

While 書く (kaku) is a straightforward verb, it appears in some common expressions:

  • 書き言葉 (kakikotoba): This literally means 'written language' and refers to words or expressions used in writing, as opposed to spoken language. Example: The novel uses a lot of kakikotoba.
  • 書き留める (kakitomeru): This means 'to write down' or 'to jot down' something to remember it. Example: Please kakitomeru your ideas.
  • 書き換える (kakikaeru): This means 'to rewrite' or 'to revise' something. Example: I need to kakikaeru this report.
  • 書き出す (kakidasu): This can mean 'to start writing' or 'to write out' something in full. Example: She kakidasu her thoughts in a journal.
  • 書き損じる (kakisonjiru): This means 'to make a mistake while writing' or 'to spoil something by writing'. Example: I kakisonjiru the address on the envelope.

書く (kaku) is a Group 1 verb (a 'u-verb') in Japanese. This means its conjugation follows a specific pattern. The polite form is 書きます (kakimasu), and the plain past tense is 書いた (kaita).

Pronunciation:

  • The 'ka' sound is like the 'ca' in 'car'.
  • The 'ku' sound is like the 'coo' in 'cool', but with less of a rounded 'oo' sound – it's a bit shorter.
  • The 'ki' sound is like 'key'.
  • The 'ma' sound is like 'ma' in 'mama'.
  • The 'su' sound is like 'sue', but again, the 'u' is often very light or almost silent, especially in polite forms. So, 'masu' often sounds like 'mass'.

IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet):

  • 書く (kaku): /ka.kɯ/
  • 書きます (kakimasu): /ka.ki.ma.sɯ/ (often pronounced closer to [ka.ki.ma.s])

Rhyming Words: While direct rhymes are less common due to the specific syllable structure, words ending in '-aku' or '-kimasu' might be considered near rhymes in certain contexts.

Fun Fact

The kanji for 'write' (書) is composed of 'hand' (又) and 'tree' (木) in some older forms, possibly symbolizing writing on wood or bamboo slips.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈkæk.uː/

Sounds like 'KAH-koo', with the 'oo' sound in 'kaku' being short and sharp, and the 'i' in 'kakimasu' being clear.

US /ˈkɑː.kuː/

Similar to UK, but the 'a' might be slightly more open. The final 'u' in 'kaku' and 'masu' is often de-voiced or very light, sounding closer to 'kah-koo' and 'kah-kee-mass'.

Common Errors

  • Pronouncing the final 'u' too strongly in 'kaku' or 'masu'.
  • Not clearly distinguishing between 'kaku' (to write) and other words with similar sounds.
  • Incorrectly stressing syllables, especially in longer verb forms.

Rhymes With

saku (咲く - to bloom) taku (拓く - to open up) maku (巻く - to wind) naku (泣く - to cry) yaku (焼く - to bake)

Difficulty Rating

Lectura 2/5

Easy to recognize, meaning is clear.

Writing 2/5

Basic conjugation is simple, but nuances exist.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is generally easy.

Escucha 2/5

Commonly heard, easy to distinguish in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Kanji basics Hiragana Katakana Basic sentence structure (Subject-Object-Verb) Particles (は, が, を, に)

Learn Next

描く (egaku - to draw) 書く (kaku) conjugations (past, negative, potential) Compound verbs using 書く (e.g., 書き留める)

Avanzado

Calligraphy (書道 shodou) Literary terms Formal writing styles

Grammar to Know

Te-form conjugation

書く -> 書いて (kaite)

Potential form conjugation

書く -> 書ける (kakeru)

Passive form conjugation

書く -> 書かれる (kakareru)

Examples by Level

1

I write a letter.

I / letter / write (polite)

Use the polite form 'kakimasu'.

2

Please write your name.

Please / name / write (polite)

'Onegai shimasu' is used for polite requests.

3

I write in my notebook.

I / notebook / in / write (polite)

The particle 'ni' indicates location.

4

She writes a book.

She / book / write (polite)

The particle 'o' marks the direct object.

5

He writes a story.

He / story / write (polite)

The verb 'kakimasu' is in the polite present tense.

6

We write emails.

We / emails / write (polite)

Plural nouns are often not explicitly marked in Japanese.

7

Can you write this?

This / write (polite) / can?

The potential form 'kakeru' is used for 'can write'.

8

I want to write.

I / write / want to

Use the '-tai' form for 'want to'.

1

I am writing a letter to my friend.

I / friend / to / letter / am writing (polite)

The particle 'ni' indicates the recipient.

2

Please write down your address.

Please / address / write down (polite)

'Kakitomeru' means 'to write down'.

3

She writes a diary every day.

She / every day / diary / writes (polite)

'Mainichi' means 'every day'.

4

He wrote a short story for the competition.

He / competition / for / short story / wrote (polite)

The past tense of 'kakimasu' is 'kakimashita'.

5

We need to write our names on the form.

We / form / on / names / write (polite) / need to

'Hitsuyou ga aru' or 'nakereba naranai' can express 'need to'.

6

Can you write this kanji?

This / kanji / write (polite) / can?

The potential form 'kakeru' is used for 'can write'.

7

I like writing poems.

I / poems / writing / like

Using the verb stem + 'koto ga suki desu' expresses liking an action.

8

He is writing an email to his boss.

He / boss / to / email / is writing (polite)

The particle 'ni' indicates the recipient.

1

I'm trying to write a novel, but it's difficult.

Novel / write / trying / but / difficult

The structure '-te iru' can indicate an ongoing action or state.

2

Could you please write down the important points?

Important points / please / write down (polite)

'Kakitomeru' is useful for noting down key information.

3

She writes articles for a popular magazine.

Popular magazine / for / articles / writes (polite)

The particle 'no' can connect nouns, like 'magazine no shasetu' (magazine's article).

4

He decided to rewrite the report after receiving feedback.

Feedback / receive / after / report / rewrite (polite)

'Kakikaeru' means to rewrite or revise.

5

We should write down our ideas before the meeting.

Meeting / before / ideas / write down (polite) / should

The auxiliary verb '-beki desu' suggests obligation or recommendation.

6

The artist writes his signature on every painting.

Every painting / on / signature / writes (polite)

The particle 'ni' indicates where the signature is written.

7

I find it relaxing to write in my journal.

Journal / write / relaxing / find

Using the verb stem + 'koto' can nominalize the action.

8

Please write your name clearly so I can read it.

Name / clearly / write (polite) / so that / read / can

'Mei ni' means 'clearly'.

1

The author is known for her intricate plotlines, which she meticulously writes.

Author / intricate plotlines / for / known / meticulously / writes (polite)

The adverb 'meticulously' adds detail to the act of writing.

2

He has a habit of writing down every single thought that comes to mind.

Every single thought / comes to mind / writes down (polite) / habit / has

'Kakitomeru' implies recording thoughts for later reference.

3

Before submitting the proposal, ensure you have rewritten any sections that were unclear.

Proposal / submit / before / unclear / sections / rewritten / ensure

'Kakikaeru' is used here for revision in a formal context.

4

The historian aims to write a comprehensive account of the period.

Historian / period / comprehensive account / write (polite) / aims to

'Comprehensive account' implies detailed and thorough writing.

5

She often doodles absentmindedly while on the phone, writing abstract shapes.

On the phone / while / absentmindedly / abstract shapes / writes (polite) / often

This usage highlights the less intentional aspect of 'writing' or drawing.

6

The contract stipulates that all amendments must be written in ink.

All amendments / ink / in / written (polite) / must be / contract / stipulates

This refers to the formal requirement of written documentation.

7

He finds solace in writing poetry, using it as an outlet for his emotions.

Emotions / outlet / as / using / poetry / writing / solace / finds

This emphasizes the therapeutic aspect of writing.

8

The software allows users to write their own code to customize features.

Software / features / customize / to / own code / write (polite) / users / allows

This refers to 'writing' in a programming context.

1

The philosopher's magnum opus attempts to write a new paradigm for understanding consciousness.

Philosopher's magnum opus / consciousness / understanding / for / new paradigm / write (polite) / attempts to

Here, 'write' implies constructing or establishing a new framework.

2

In his letters, he would often write allegories to convey his deeper feelings indirectly.

Letters / in / deeper feelings / convey / to / indirectly / allegories / write (polite) / would often

This highlights the literary and indirect use of writing.

3

The artist's signature, though subtle, is meticulously written into the texture of the sculpture itself.

Artist's signature / subtle / though / sculpture itself / texture / into / meticulously / written (polite) / is

This uses 'written' in a very artistic and integrated sense.

4

She meticulously documents her research findings, writing detailed field notes that are invaluable for future analysis.

Research findings / meticulously documents / she / invaluable / future analysis / for / detailed field notes / writing (polite)

'Writing' here emphasizes thoroughness and record-keeping.

5

The legal team had to rewrite the entire contract due to unforeseen regulatory changes.

Unforeseen regulatory changes / due to / entire contract / rewrite (polite) / had to / legal team

'Kakikaeru' implies a significant revision of a formal document.

6

He penned his memoirs, seeking to write his own narrative rather than letting others define his legacy.

Memoirs / penned / his / own narrative / write (polite) / seeking to / legacy / define / others / letting

7

The composer wrote motifs into the score that subtly referenced earlier works.

Score / into / motifs / wrote (polite) / composer / subtly / earlier works / referenced

This refers to composing music, akin to writing.

8

His political opponents accused him of writing inflammatory speeches designed to incite unrest.

Inflammatory speeches / writing / of / accused / him / opponents / political / unrest / incite / to / designed

1

The scholar's life's work involved meticulously writing a definitive history of the Silk Road.

Scholar's life's work / Silk Road / definitive history / writing (polite) / meticulously / involved

This implies a monumental and authoritative writing task.

2

She sought to write herself out of her past, crafting a new identity through her published works.

Past / herself / out of / write (polite) / sought to / new identity / crafting / published works / through

A metaphorical use of 'writing' to signify self-creation.

3

The ancient texts suggest that the gods themselves wrote the laws of the universe.

Universe / laws / the / wrote (polite) / themselves / gods / suggest / ancient texts

A mythological or philosophical context for 'writing'.

4

He engaged in a protracted epistolary exchange, writing lengthy missives that explored complex philosophical ideas.

Lengthy missives / writing (polite) / explored / complex philosophical ideas / engaged in / protracted epistolary exchange

Emphasizes the literary and intellectual nature of the writing.

5

The artist's final act was to write a cryptic message onto the canvas, leaving critics to decipher its meaning.

Cryptic message / write (polite) / to / final act / artist's / canvas / onto / leaving / critics / decipher / its meaning

Highlights the ambiguity and artistic intent behind the writing.

6

The treaty was painstakingly written, with every clause debated and revised to avoid future conflict.

Every clause / debated / revised / painstakingly / written (polite) / treaty / was / avoid future conflict / with

Focuses on the careful and deliberate process of formal writing.

7

In his autobiography, he attempts to write his own version of history, challenging established narratives.

Autobiography / in / his / own version / history / write (polite) / attempts to / challenging / established narratives

This implies a subjective and revisionist approach to historical accounts.

8

The code was so elegantly written that it became a benchmark for future software development.

Elegantly / written (polite) / code / was / so / benchmark / became / future software development / for

Refers to the quality and artistry of programming code.

Colocaciones comunes

write a letter
write an email
write a book
write notes
write down
write a report
write a story
write a song
write a signature
write clearly

Idioms & Expressions

"書き言葉 (kakikotoba)"

Written language; words or expressions used in writing.

Japanese has distinct differences between its kakikotoba and spoken language.

neutral

"書き留める (kakitomeru)"

To write down; to jot down; to make a note of.

I always kakitomeru important phone numbers.

neutral

"書き換える (kakikaeru)"

To rewrite; to revise; to change.

We need to kakikaeru the contract terms.

neutral

"書き出す (kakidasu)"

To start writing; to write out; to list.

Please kakidasu all the items you need.

neutral

"書き損じる (kakisonjiru)"

To make a mistake while writing; to spoil by writing.

I kakisonjiru the address and had to get a new envelope.

neutral

" pen name"

A pseudonym used by an author.

The author used a pen name for her first novel.

neutral

Easily Confused

書きます (書く) vs 描く (egaku)

Both mean 'to draw' or 'to write' in a broad sense.

描く (egaku) is specifically for artistic drawing, painting, or illustrating. 書く (kaku) is primarily for writing text, characters, or simple diagrams.

子供がお絵かき帳に絵を<strong>描いた</strong>。(Kodomo ga oekaki chou ni e o <strong>egaita</strong>.) - The child drew a picture in the drawing book. vs. 先生は黒板に字を<strong>書いた</strong>。(Sensei wa kokuban ni ji o <strong>kaita</strong>.) - The teacher wrote characters on the blackboard.

書きます (書く) vs 書く (kaku) vs. 書く (kaku) [different kanji]

Same pronunciation, different meanings and kanji.

The verb 書く (kaku) means 'to write'. Another verb pronounced 'kaku' is 捗く (kakaru), meaning 'to take time' or 'to cost'.

この仕事は時間が<strong>かかる</strong>。(Kono shigoto wa jikan ga <strong>kakaru</strong>.) - This job takes time. vs. 私は手紙を<strong>書く</strong>。(Watashi wa tegami o <strong>kaku</strong>.) - I write letters.

書きます (書く) vs 書く (kaku) vs. 焼く (yaku)

Similar sound, especially the '-aku' ending.

書く (kaku) means 'to write'. 焼く (yaku) means 'to bake', 'to grill', or 'to burn'.

パンを<strong>焼く</strong>。(Pan o <strong>yaku</strong>.) - To bake bread. vs. レポートを<strong>書く</strong>。(Repōto o <strong>kaku</strong>.) - To write a report.

書きます (書く) vs 書く (kaku) vs. 泣く (naku)

Similar sound, especially the '-aku' ending.

書く (kaku) means 'to write'. 泣く (naku) means 'to cry'.

子供が<strong>泣いている</strong>。(Kodomo ga <strong>naite iru</strong>.) - The child is crying. vs. 私は日記を<strong>書いている</strong>。(Watashi wa nikki o <strong>kaite iru</strong>.) - I am writing in my diary.

Sentence Patterns

A1-A2

Subject + は/が + Object + を + 書きます。

私は日記を<strong>書きます</strong>。

A2-B1

Place + で + Object + を + 書きます。

図書館でレポートを<strong>書きます</strong>。

A2-B1

Recipient + に + Message + を + 書きます。

友達にメールを<strong>書きます</strong>。

B1-B2

Verb Stem + たいです (tai desu) - Want to write

小説を<strong>書きたいです</strong>。

B1-B2

Verb Stem + 方 (kata) - How to write

この漢字の<strong>書き方</strong>を教えてください。

Familia de palabras

Nouns

書記 (shoki) Scribe; secretary; clerk
書物 (shomotsu) Book; writings; literature
書き方 (kakikata) Way of writing; how to write

Verbs

書く (kaku) To write (plain form)
書き留める (kakitomeru) To write down
書き換える (kakikaeru) To rewrite

Relacionado

描く (egaku) Similar meaning (to draw), but often used for artistic drawing.
書道 (shodou) Related concept (calligraphy), the art of writing.

How to Use It

Formality Scale

書く (kaku) - Casual/Plain 書きます (kakimasu) - Polite/Standard 書きましょう (kakimashou) - Volitional/Let's write 書かれた (kakareta) - Passive/Written by

Errores comunes

Using 書く (kaku) for artistic drawing. Use 描く (egaku) for artistic drawing or painting.
While 書く can sometimes mean to draw, 描く is specifically for more artistic or detailed visual representations.
Forgetting to change to the polite form (kakimasu) in formal situations. Use 書きます (kakimasu) when speaking to superiors, elders, or strangers.
Using the plain form (kaku) inappropriately can be seen as rude.
Confusing the pronunciation of 'kaku' and 'kaku' (different kanji). Pay attention to the kanji and context to differentiate meanings.
There are other words pronounced 'kaku', so context is crucial.
Overusing 'kakimasu' when 'egaku' is more appropriate for drawing. Distinguish between writing text (書く) and drawing images (描く).
While there's overlap, 描く is preferred for visual art.
Assuming all writing is covered by one verb. Consider context: 'kakitomeru' (write down), 'kakikaeru' (rewrite), etc., offer more specific meanings.
Japanese verbs often have nuanced forms for specific actions.

Tips

💡

Visual Link: Kanji Power!

Look closely at the kanji 書. Imagine a hand (like the '又' part) holding a brush made of wood (like the '木' part) and writing!

💡

Polite vs. Casual: Know Your Audience!

Always use 書きます (kakimasu) in formal settings. Switch to 書く (kaku) when chatting with friends to sound natural.

🌍

The Art of Writing

In Japan, calligraphy (書道 shodou) is a respected art form. Appreciating this can deepen your understanding of the importance of writing.

💡

Verb Stem + 'tai': Want to Write!

Remember the pattern: Verb Stem + たい = Want to do. So, for 書く (kaku), it's 書き (kaki) + たい = 書きたい (kakitai) - 'want to write'.

💡

De-Voiced 'U': The Subtle Sound

In 'kakimasu', the 'u' sound in 'su' is often very quiet or almost disappears. Practice saying it like 'kah-kee-mass'.

💡

Don't Confuse Drawing Types!

If you're talking about drawing a masterpiece, use 描く (egaku). For writing notes or a simple sketch, 書く (kaku) is fine.

💡

Ancient Writing Tools

Historically, Japanese was written with brushes and ink on paper or silk. The verb reflects this deep-rooted tradition.

💡

Write It Out!

The best way to learn 'kakimasu'? Write sentences using it! Keep a journal in Japanese and practice writing daily.

💡

Beyond Just Text

Remember 書く can also apply to drawing simple diagrams or even writing code, showing its broad application.

💡

Passive Voice: 'Was Written'

To say something 'was written', use the passive form: 書かれる (kakareru). For example, 'This book was written by him' - この本は彼に書かれました (Kono hon wa kare ni kakareru mashita).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine someone 'cackling' with joy as they 'write' a funny story.

Visual Association

Picture a hand holding a brush, writing the kanji 書.

Word Web

Write Pen Paper Ink Letters Books Notes Draw Kanji

Desafío

Write five sentences about your day using 書きます (kakimasu).

Origen de la palabra

Chinese (漢字 - hànzì)

Original meaning: The original Chinese character depicted a hand holding a writing instrument.

Contexto cultural

None specific to the verb 'to write' itself, but the content being written can be sensitive.

In English-speaking cultures, writing is fundamental to education, business, and personal communication. The act of writing can range from casual texting to formal legal documents.

Many famous authors are celebrated for their writing, like Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and Haruki Murakami. The act of writing is often depicted in movies and literature as a solitary, introspective activity. Calligraphy is a highly respected art form in many East Asian cultures.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At School/University

  • 宿題を書きます (Shukudai o kakimasu) - I will do/write my homework.
  • ノートを書きます (Nōto o kakimasu) - I will take notes.
  • 作文を書きます (Sakubun o kakimasu) - I will write an essay.

Personal Communication

  • 手紙を書きます (Tegami o kakimasu) - I will write a letter.
  • メールを書きます (Mēru o kakimasu) - I will write an email.
  • 日記を書きます (Nikki o kakimasu) - I will write in my diary.

Work/Business

  • 報告書を書きます (Hōkokusho o kakimasu) - I will write a report.
  • 企画書を書きます (Kikakusho o kakimasu) - I will write a proposal.
  • 議事録を書きます (Gijiroku o kakimasu) - I will write the meeting minutes.

Creative Pursuits

  • 詩を書きます (Shi o kakimasu) - I will write a poem.
  • 歌を書きます (Uta o kakimasu) - I will write a song.
  • 絵を描きます (E o egakimasu) - I will draw a picture. (Note: uses 描く)

Conversation Starters

"What did you write today?"

"Do you prefer writing by hand or typing?"

"What's the most interesting thing you've ever written?"

"Can you teach me how to write this kanji?"

"What kind of things do you usually write in your diary?"

Journal Prompts

Write about a time you had to write something important.

Describe your ideal writing environment.

Write a short story that starts with the sentence: 'I opened the old book and began to write...'

What are your goals for writing in Japanese this week?

Preguntas frecuentes

8 preguntas

書く (kaku) is generally used for writing text, characters, or simple drawings. 描く (egaku) is more specific for artistic drawing, painting, or illustrating.

You use 書きます (kakimasu) in polite situations, like when talking to teachers, bosses, elders, or people you don't know well. You use the plain form 書く (kaku) with friends and family.

Yes, it can, especially for simple drawings, sketches, or diagrams. However, for more artistic or detailed illustrations, 描く (egaku) is usually preferred.

You take the verb stem (kak-) and add -たい (-tai). So, it becomes 書きたい (kakitai).

The polite past tense is 書きました (kakimashita). The plain past tense of 書く (kaku) is 書いた (kaita).

The verb itself is neutral. However, the content being written could have negative connotations, or the act of writing could be associated with negative things like 'writing a bad review' or 'writing a confession'.

People commonly write letters (手紙 tegami), emails (メール me-ru), diaries (日記 nikki), notes (メモ memo), reports (レポート repōto), and essays (作文 sakubun).

The pronunciation is generally straightforward for English speakers. The key is to practice the 'u' sound at the end of 'kaku' and 'masu', which is often de-voiced or very light.

Ponte a prueba

fill blank A1

I ______ a letter to my friend. (write)

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: write

The sentence describes the action of writing a letter.

multiple choice A2

What does 書きます (kakimasu) mean?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: To write

Kakimasu is the polite form of the verb 'to write'.

true false B1

The verb 書く (kaku) can also mean 'to draw' in some contexts.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Verdadero

While 描く (egaku) is more specific for artistic drawing, 書く can be used for drawing or sketching.

match pairs B1

Word

Significado

All matched!

These are common phrases using the verb 'kakimasu'.

sentence order B2

Toca las palabras de abajo para formar la oración
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

The correct sentence order is 'We must write a report'.

fill blank B2

Please ______ down the important points. (write down)

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: write

The phrase 'write down' corresponds to 書き留める (kakitomeru).

multiple choice C1

Which verb is typically used for artistic drawing or painting?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: 描く (egaku)

描く (egaku) is specifically used for artistic drawing, while 書く (kaku) is more general writing.

true false C1

The verb 書きます (kakimasu) is never used in a metaphorical sense.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Falso

The verb can be used metaphorically, such as 'writing one's destiny'.

fill blank C2

The author decided to ______ the entire manuscript after receiving harsh criticism. (rewrite)

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: rewrite

The context implies revising the entire manuscript, which is 'kakikaeru' (rewrite).

sentence order C2

Toca las palabras de abajo para formar la oración
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

The sentence means 'He decided to write his own history'.

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