Active verbs v.s. Non-active verbs Part 1

As you know, Japanese verbs are divided various ways into groups. Grouping for conjugation looks complicated, but there is a system to it. (Group 1: iku, nomu, kau, etc. Group 2: taberu, neru, miru, etc. Group 3: suru and kuru.) There are a few exceptions too, but you just need to remember them.

Another method of grouping is related to the meaning of verbs. Therefore, you need to recognize the concepts of action, state and change as related to verbs. First of all, let’s divide verbs into two groups.

• Active verbs　

• Non-active verbs

The active verbs are easy to figure out. Examples include taberu, nomu, suru, miru and so on. Easy examples of non-active verbs are aru and iru. They are not actions, but instead indicate the existence of something or someone. Sundeiru is the same concept. Some people think of this as an action, but it’s not a momentary action. This verb in the te-form indicates a continuous state of living.

Other verbs in the te-form indicating states are tsukareteiru (have been tired), okotteiru (have been angry), kondeiru (have been crowded) and so on. What do their dictionary forms mean then? Tsukareru, okoru and komu are the dictionary forms and they indicate changes.

• Tsukareru: get tired

• Okoru: get angry

• Komu: get crowded

These are categorized in the non-actvie verbs.

Naru indicates change as well. Additionally, potential forms are also non-active verbs.

Watashi wa nihongo ga hanaseru. (I can speak Japanese.)

Hanasu is an action. On the other hand, hanaseru is the state of having the ability to speak.

The same concept applies to oyogeru (can swim), yomeru (can read), surfing ga dekiru (can surf) and so on. Each one means someone has the talent or skill to do something.

(Please read part 2 and 3, too.)