N4 Verbs (Dictionary Form) Vocabulary for N4 | Examples & Quiz
Study N4 Verbs (Dictionary Form) for N4 with Japanese words, romaji, English meanings, example sentences, pronunciation support, and beginner practice.
The Dictionary Form is the casual, base form of verbs you find in a Japanese dictionary. It is essential for casual speech and N4 grammar patterns.
Quick Meaning Box
Understand the core meaning first
Main Japanese
あるく
aruku
English Meaning
To walk
Nepali Meaning
हिँड्नु
Romaji
aruku
Level
JLPT N4
Complete lesson list
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| あるく | aruku | To walk | |
| はしる | hashiru | To run | |
| およぐ | oyogu | To swim | |
| うたう | utau | To sing | |
| あそぶ | asobu | To play | |
| やすむ | yasumu | To rest | |
| おもいだす | omoidasu | To remember |
How To Use It
Use N4 Verbs correctly
Simple Explanation
Use this vocabulary when the situation matches the meaning. First connect the Japanese sound to the meaning, then use it inside a short sentence.
Sentence Structure
あるく (aruku) = To walk
Start with this simple structure before making longer sentences.
When To Use
Use it in beginner reading, short answers, daily-life examples, and JLPT review questions where the topic appears naturally.
When Not To Use
Do not force it into every sentence. If another word, particle, or grammar pattern expresses the idea more naturally, choose that instead.
- Japanese learners grow faster when they notice how this topic appears in everyday routines, classroom language, and common study examples.
- Even simple vocabulary lessons become more memorable when students connect them to real situations instead of treating them like a word list only.
Open the full beginner explanation
What is Dictionary Form?
The Dictionary Form always ends in an 'U' sound. It is the direct equivalent of the 'Masu' form, but used with friends, family, or as part of a larger grammar structure.
- Kakimasu (Polite) -> Kaku (Casual/Dictionary)
- Tabemasu (Polite) -> Taberu (Casual/Dictionary)
Why you need it
You cannot attach polite 'Masu' forms to other N4 grammar structures. For example, to say 'I can do X' (Koto ga dekiru), you MUST use the Dictionary form before it.
- Kakimasu koto ga dekiru -> [WRONG]
- Kaku koto ga dekiru -> [CORRECT]
Formula / Pattern Box
Memorize the reusable pattern
Pattern 1
あるく (aruku) = To walk
Pattern 2
あるく + です
Pattern 3
あるく + を / が + verb
Pattern 4
Time or place + particle + あるく
Example Sentences
Read, repeat, and understand the usage
Example 1
明日、東京に行く。
Ashita, Toukyou ni iku.
English
I'm going to Tokyo tomorrow. (Casual)
Nepali
म भोलि टोकियो जाँदै छु। (अनौपचारिक)
- Focus: 明日、東京に行く。
- Meaning: I'm going to Tokyo tomorrow. (Casual)
- Role: Use it as the key lesson item.
Example 2
ピアノを弾くことができます。
Piano wo hiku koto ga dekimasu.
English
I am able to play the piano. (Polite sentence using a casual verb piece).
Nepali
म पियानो बजाउन सक्छु। (अनौपचारिक क्रिया भाग प्रयोग गरिएको विनम्र वाक्य)
- Focus: ピアノを弾くことができます。
- Meaning: I am able to play the piano. (Polite sentence using a casual verb piece).
- Role: Use it as the key lesson item.
Common Mistakes
Avoid the beginner traps
Mistake 1
Wrong
Memorize only: "To walk"
Correct
Read あるく, say the meaning, then use it in one short sentence.
Trying to memorize N4 Verbs (Dictionary Form) only by translation instead of noticing how it appears in real Japanese patterns.
Mistake 2
Wrong
Memorize only: "To walk"
Correct
Read あるく, say the meaning, then use it in one short sentence.
Reviewing the list once and assuming the lesson is finished without testing recall later.
Mistake 3
Wrong
Memorize only: "To walk"
Correct
Read あるく, say the meaning, then use it in one short sentence.
Skipping speaking or writing practice, which makes the lesson harder to use actively.
Practice Section
Turn passive reading into active memory
Task 1
Fill in the blank
Complete the sentence: あるく means To walk.
Task 2
Multiple choice
Choose the best meaning for あるく before checking the lesson list.
Task 3
Sentence building
Make one short beginner sentence using あるく. Keep it simple.
Task 4
Translation practice
Translate this idea into Japanese: To walk.
Extra practice prompts
- Write two original sentences that use N4 Verbs (Dictionary Form) naturally.
- Review the lesson once without notes, then check what you missed.
- Explain the main meaning of this topic in simple English as if teaching another beginner.
Self-check before moving on
- Can I explain the main purpose of N4 Verbs (Dictionary Form) without reading the notes?
- Can I use at least one example from this lesson in my own sentence?
- Can I come back tomorrow and still remember the key meaning or pattern?
Mini Quiz
Check your understanding
Q1. What does あるく mean?
Q2. What does はしる mean?
Q3. What does およぐ mean?
Q4. What does うたう mean?
Q5. What does あそぶ mean?
Q6. What does やすむ mean?
Q7. What does おもいだす mean?
Q8. What does 明日、東京に行く。 mean?
Show answer key
- To walk
- To run
- To swim
- To sing
- To play
- To rest
- To remember
- I'm going to Tokyo tomorrow. (Casual)
Real Life Usage
Use the lesson outside flashcards
Conversation Example
A: あるく？
B: はい、あるくです。
aruku - To walk
Classroom Example
A teacher may ask you to read, choose, or explain あるく during a beginner review.
Daily Life Example
Use あるく when the meaning "To walk" appears in a simple real situation.
Use N4 Verbs (Dictionary Form) in a short real-life scene
Imagine you are studying or interacting in a simple daily situation where JLPT N4 Japanese is enough. Your goal is to use this lesson clearly and naturally, not perfectly.
- Create one short scene that includes N4 Verbs (Dictionary Form).
- Say or write two useful lines connected to the topic.
- Review what felt difficult and repeat the scene one more time with better accuracy.
FAQ
Common beginner questions
Is the Dictionary form impolite?
It's considered 'casual' (Plain form). Using it with your boss or strangers is rude, but it's required when speaking to close friends.
Summary Box
What to remember
Key Point
N4 Verbs becomes useful when you can recognize it, explain it simply, and use it in one short sentence.
Pattern
あるく (aruku) = To walk
Next Action
Review with a practice tool3 must-remember examples
- 明日、東京に行く。 - I'm going to Tokyo tomorrow. (Casual)
- ピアノを弾くことができます。 - I am able to play the piano. (Polite sentence using a casual verb piece).