This shows an action finished in the past. It also shows something that was true before now.
Verb [た-form]Primary
This shows an action finished in the past. It also shows something that was true before now.
昨日、友達と映画を見た。
Yesterday, I saw a movie with a friend.
これは私が昨日読んだ本です。
This is the book that I read yesterday.
家に帰ったら、まず手を洗ってください。
When you get home, please wash your hands first.
休みの日は、本を読んだりゲームをしたりして過ごします。
On my days off, I spend my time doing things like reading books and playing games.
あ、バスが来た！急ごう！
Oh, the bus is here! Let's hurry!
Imagine a light bulb turning on above your head. The 'ta' form can show you just realized something. It's like finding your wallet and saying, 'Oh, it was here!'
The 'た' form is for casual past actions. 'ました' is for polite past actions. For example, '食べた' is casual. '食べました' is polite. You still use 'た' form in polite talk if it's not the end of the sentence. For example, 'the bread I ate yesterday'.
Watch out: The 'た' form does not always mean past tense. Sometimes it talks about a future action. This action must finish before something else happens. For example, 'when I arrive' can use 'た' form. But arriving will happen in the future.
Often confused with(1)
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