Ikimasu is one of those Japanese verbs that seem deceptively simple at first glance. However, there‘s a lot more nuance and complexity behind this common term than meets the eye. As a frequently used verb for indicating movement or travel, having a deep understanding of ikimasu is key to fluency in Japanese.
In this in-depth guide, we‘ll unravel the intricacies of ikimasu, providing everything you need to know about how to use it correctly and naturally in Japanese. Consider this your complete reference for fully mastering the verb "to go".
At a Glance: The Meaning and Grammar of Ikimasu
First, let‘s start with a quick overview of the basic meaning and grammar points for ikimasu:
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Literal Translation: "To go" or "I go"
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Dictionary Form: Iku
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Polite Form: Ikimasu
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Plain Form: Iku
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Negative Form: Ikimasen
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Past Tense: Ikimashita
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Verb Group: Group I (ru-verb)
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Used For: Movement away from speaker‘s location
Ikimasu is what‘s known as a "verb of motion" – it describes physical movement from one point to another. Specifically, it indicates traveling or going away from the speaker‘s current location or viewpoint.
Let‘s look at some examples:
- Ashita gakkō ni ikimasu – I will go to school tomorrow
- Kare wa Nihon ni ikitaku arimasen – He does not want to go to Japan
As you can see, the basic grammar of ikimasu as a ru-verb is fairly straightforward. But there are many complexities we‘ll unpack later regarding conjugations, sentence patterns, and cultural context.
Comparing Ikimasu, Kimasu, and Kaerimasu
Ikimasu is one of three main "verbs of motion" used in Japanese. The other two are:
- Kimasu: To come or move towards the speaker‘s location
- Kaerimasu: To return or come back to a point of origin
You‘ll often see these three verbs used together in a single sentence or conversational exchange, like this:
A: Ginkō ni ikimasu. Asoko ni imasu ka?
B: Hai, kinō kara kaerimashita. Ashita mo kimasu.
A: I‘m going to the bank. Were you there?
B: Yes, I returned from there yesterday. I‘ll come again tomorrow.
As you can see, ikimasu indicates moving away, kimasu indicates moving toward, and kaerimasu refers to returning. Let‘s look at some key data on the frequency of these verbs:
- Ikimasu – #15 most used verb overall [#1 motion verb]
- Kimasu – #31 most used verb overall [#2 motion verb]
- Kaerimasu – #91 most used verb overall [#3 motion verb]
So ikimasu is by far the most common, followed by kimasu. But it‘s clear these three "motion" verbs are all high-frequency and essential to know.
Conjugating Ikimasu into Different Tenses and Forms
One area that can be tricky for Japanese learners is learning how to correctly conjugate ikimasu based on tense and other grammatical factors. Let‘s break this down:
Present Tense
| Formal | Polite/Plain | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| ikimasu | iku | ikimasen |
Past Tense
| Formal | Polite/Plain | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| ikimashita | itta | ikimasen deshita |
Volitional Form (Let‘s Go)
| Polite | Plain |
|---|---|
| ikimashō | ikō |
Potential Form (Can Go)
| Polite | Plain | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| ikimaseru | ikeru | ikemasen |
Imperative Form (Go!)
| Polite | Plain | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| ikimase | ike | iku na |
Causative Form (Make Someone Go)
| Polite | Plain |
|---|---|
| ikimaseta | ikaseta |
Passive Form (Be Taken)
| Polite | Plain |
|---|---|
| ikimasareru | ikareru |
As you can see, there are many variations based on factors like tense, politeness level, and mood. Getting comfortable with how to conjugate ikimasu fluidly takes practice and exposure. But mastering these various forms will allow you to use ikimasu smoothly in real Japanese conversations.
Cultural Nuances – Humble vs Plain Form
One important cultural and linguistic factor to understand is when to use the humble or plain forms of ikimasu. Some key points:
- Humble form (irassharu) is used when:
- Referring to one‘s own actions to show respect
- Describing a superior‘s actions
- Plain form (iku) is used when:
- Talking about oneself to a close friend or social equal
- Referring to children or those lower status
For example:
- Watashi wa kyō Nihon ni irasshaimasu. (I will humbly go to Japan today.)
- Ani wa ima gakkō ni itte imasu. (My older brother has gone to school.)
Choosing the right speech level helps express the nuances of Japanese social hierarchy and etiquette.
Useful Related Verbs and Vocabulary
Here are some other useful Japanese words and expressions connected to the concept of "going":
- Irassharu – Humble version of ikimasu
- Itte kudasai – Please go (polite)
- Itte mairimasu – I‘m going and will return (humble)
- Oide ni narimasu – I‘m coming over (humble)
- Ryokō ni iku – To go on a trip
- Kayoiji desu – It‘s on my way
- Yukkuri ikimasu – Go slowly
Building your vocabulary related to ikimasu is key to using this verb naturally in many contexts.
Putting Ikimasu in Action – Example Sentences and Conversations
Now let‘s look at some practical examples of ikimasu used in different scenarios:
Making Plans and Inviting Someone:
A: Kyō, issho ni kōen ni ikimasen ka?
B: Īdee desu ne. Hai, ikimashō!
A: Shall we go to the park today?
B: Good idea! Yes, let‘s go!
Describing Commutes and Errands:
Watashi wa maiasa densha de daigaku ni ikimasu. Kyō wa ginkō ni itte kimashita.
I go to university by train every morning. Today I went to the bank and came back.
Vacation and Travel:
Raishū, watashi wa Hawai ni ryokō ni ikimasu. Natsu yasumi ni wa Kyōto ni ikitai desu.
Next week, I will go on a trip to Hawaii. For summer vacation I want to go to Kyoto.
Talking About Someone Else‘s Actions:
Yamada-san wa ashita Osaka ni shuppatsu shimasu. Shachō wa kyō jusho ni irasshaimashita.
Mr. Yamada will depart for Osaka tomorrow. The president went to the headquarters today.
These examples demonstrate how flexible and ubiquitous ikimasu is in real Japanese conversation. From planning outings with friends to discussing travel plans to describing someone else‘s actions, ikimasu is used in many diverse situations.
Final Takeaways – Mastering the Subtleties of Ikimasu
In summary, ikimasu meaning "to go" is one of the most frequent and essential verbs in spoken and written Japanese. Yet there are many nuanced complexities in terms of its grammar, conjugations, and sociolinguistic usage. Some key points to remember:
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Pay attention to tense, politeness level, and formality when conjugating
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Use humble vs. plain forms appropriately based on context
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Combine ikimasu seamlessly with kimasu and kaerimasu
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Expand vocabulary related to movement and direction
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Practice using ikimasu fluidly in full sentences and dialogues
Mastering ikimasu takes time and exposure. But doing so represents a major milestone in achieving fluency in Japanese. With the insights in this guide, you‘re now well on your way!
