かきます

§ かきます (kakimasu) vs. 書く (kaku)

First, let's clarify a common point of confusion for beginners: かきます (kakimasu) and 書く (kaku) are the same word. かきます is the polite ます-form, which you'll use in most everyday conversations. 書く is the dictionary form, used in more casual settings, in dictionaries, and as part of more complex grammatical structures. When you're just starting, focus on かきます.

§ Basic meaning of かきます

The primary meanings of かきます are 'to write' and 'to draw.' This is a versatile word, and you'll hear it often. Think of it as your go-to for anything involving putting marks on a surface with a pen, pencil, or brush.

Hint: I write a letter.

Hint: I draw a picture.

§ Related verbs for 'writing'

While かきます is broad, there are other verbs you might encounter that relate to writing, but they often have more specific nuances. Here are a few:

• 記す (shirusu): This verb also means 'to write' or 'to record,' but it often implies making a note, marking something down, or inscribing. It has a slightly more formal or official feel than かきます.

  カレンダーに予定を記します。(Karendā ni yotei o shirusu.)

  Hint: I mark the schedule on the calendar.

• 記載する (kisai suru): This is a more formal verb meaning 'to record' or 'to document,' often used in official documents, reports, or forms. It implies a systematic or administrative act of writing.

  用紙に名前を記載してください。(Yōshi ni namae o kisai shite kudasai.)

  Hint: Please write your name on the form.

§ Related verbs for 'drawing'

For drawing, かきます is very common, but you might also come across:

• 描く (kaku): While this is the same pronunciation as 書く, it uses a different kanji (描) specifically for 'to draw' or 'to paint.' If you see this kanji, it almost certainly refers to drawing or sketching. When in doubt, if it's about pictures or art, use this kanji. If it's about text, use 書く.

  風景を描きます。(Fūkei o egakimasu.)

  Hint: I draw the scenery.

• 絵を描く (e o kaku): This is a very common phrase meaning 'to draw a picture.' It explicitly uses 絵 (e) meaning 'picture' with the verb 描く (kaku).

  彼女はいつも楽しい絵を描きます。(Kanojo wa itsumo tanoshii e o kakimasu.)

  Hint: She always draws fun pictures.

§ Summary: When to use かきます

For A2 learners, かきます is your best friend for both 'to write' and 'to draw.' Use it whenever you're referring to the act of putting words, letters, or images down on a surface. You won't go wrong with it in most situations.

Use かきます for:

Writing letters, emails, reports, notes. Drawing pictures, diagrams, maps, sketches.

As you advance, you'll naturally pick up on the nuances of other verbs. But for now, master かきます!