This is the basic form of a verb. It is what you find in a dictionary. You use it to make other verb forms.
Verb [dictionary form]Primary
This is the basic form of a verb. It is what you find in a dictionary. You use it to make other verb forms.
彼がそんなことを言うとは信じられない。
I can't believe he would say such a thing.
明日、図書館に行く。
I'm going to the library tomorrow.
泳ぐことが好きです。
I like to swim.
日本語を学ぶ最良の方法は、毎日練習することである。
The best way to learn Japanese is to practice every day.
This form is like a chameleon. It changes its meaning based on where you use it. In a book, it sounds neutral and factual. When you talk to friends, it sounds casual.
The dictionary form is casual. It is for friends and family. The ます form is polite. It is for people you do not know well. Or for people above you.
Watch out: Do not use the dictionary form when you need to be polite. For example, do not tell a store clerk 'I will buy this' using the dictionary form. This sounds rude. Instead, use the polite ます form.
Use this when you want to connect verbs to other grammar. It helps you say things like 'before doing' or 'can do'. It is like a building block for many sentences.
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