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Grammar detail: verb stem

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JLPT:
verb stem - base part of a verb
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The term 'verb stem', also known as 'masu stem', in Japanese grammar refers to the base part of the verb, and is used in many different constructions.
The easiest way to identify the stem of a verb is to remove the 'masu/ます' when the verb is in its masu/ます form. The part of the verb that remains is the verb stem.
For example:
  • たべます ➜ たべ
  • いきます ➜ いき
  • よみます ➜ よみ
たべ、いき、よみ are all examples of the verb stem.
In Japanese, the verb stem is known as the
れんようけい
連用形
 (which means 'continuative form').
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See also:
  • verb plain form vs polite form
  • Grammar search: stem

Kanji used in this grammar

連
レン   つれる to take, to lead   つらねる to line up   つらなる to extend   
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用
ヨウ   もちいる to use   
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形
ケイ   ギョウ   shape   かたち    かた    
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3
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