Japanese Te-Form Verb Conjugation Guide

Learning the Te-form doesn't have to be a headache! The easiest way to learn it is by breaking verbs into three groups. Here is a concise guide you can use.

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1. Group 1: Masu-form endings (i, chi, ri...)

This group is the trickiest because the ending changes based on the last syllable of the verb.

Ending	Change to...	Example
~i ~chi, ~ri	~tte	Kaimasu → Katte
~ni, ~bi, ~mi	~nde	Nomimasu → Nonde
~ki	~ite	Kikkimasu → Kiite (Exception: Ikimasu → Itte)
~gi	~ide	Oyogimasu → Oyoide
~shi	~shite	Hanashimasu → Hanashite

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2. Group 2: ~imasu and ~emasu verbs

These are the easiest! Just drop the ~ru and add ~te.

• Tabemasu (To eat) → Tabete

• Mimasu (To see) → Mite

• Nemasu (To sleep) → Nete

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3. Group 3: Irregular Verbs

There are only two you need to memorize:

• Shimasu (To do) → Shite

• Kimasu (To come) → Kite

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💡 Pro-Tip for Learners

"Te-form Song" 

Sing to the tune of Oh My Darling, Clementine. It’s a classic way for English speakers to memorize the Group 1 changes!

"I, chi, ri... tte! 

Ni, bi, mi... nde! 

Ki... ite, gi... ide!

Hanashimasu, hanashite

Ikimasu, itte"

Verb Conjugation Table (printable sheets)