ます

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 Japanese 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Noun 1.3 Verb 1.4 Suffix 1.4.1 Conjugation 1.4.2 Usage notes 1.4.3 See also

[edit] Japanese

[edit] Etymology

The -ます ending is generally believed to have come from the Old Japanese auxiliary verb mawirasu (mairasu; to humbly do something for a superior). The verb evolved into -marasuru → -massuru → -masuru → -masu. The modern verb mairu (参る) also comes from mawirasu.

[edit] Noun

ます (romaji masu)

1. 升 : a square wooden measuring cup
2. 鱒 : trout

[edit] Verb

ます (romaji masu)

1. 増す : to increase

[edit] Suffix

ます (romaji masu)

1. expresses politeness toward the listener

[edit] Conjugation

• Imperative: ませ or まし (rare)
• Volitional: ましょう
• Negative: ません
• Past negative ませんでした
• Past tense: ました
• Conjunctive: まして
• Hypothetical conditional: ますれば (rare)

Other forms not attested.

[edit] Usage notes

Connects to the continuative form of a verb and inflects partially like type 1 verbs. The imperative forms are only used with honorific verbs, e.g. いらっしゃいませ, なさいませ, くださいませ. The old dictionary form まする is still sometimes used. When there is a choice, attaches last: e.g. polite passive is 話されます, not 話しまされる.

[edit] See also

• です