Practice Using Polite vs. Plain Form in Japanese Sentences – Exercises

Mastering the art of using polite and plain forms in Japanese is crucial for effective communication and cultural integration. In Japanese, the choice between polite (丁寧語, teineigo) and plain (普通体, futsū-tai) forms can significantly alter the tone and context of your conversation. Polite forms are generally used in formal settings, with strangers, or when showing respect to someone of higher status. On the other hand, plain forms are more casual and are typically used among friends, family, or in informal settings. Understanding when and how to switch between these forms not only helps convey the appropriate level of respect but also enhances your fluency and comprehension of the language. In these exercises, you will have the opportunity to practice converting sentences between polite and plain forms, honing your ability to navigate different social contexts in Japanese. Each exercise is designed to reinforce your understanding of verb conjugations, sentence structures, and the subtle nuances that differentiate formal from informal speech. Through consistent practice, you will become more adept at choosing the right form in various situations, ensuring that your Japanese communication is both accurate and culturally appropriate. Dive in, and start refining your skills in this essential aspect of the Japanese language!

Exercise 1

1. 彼は毎朝コーヒーを*飲みます*。(verb for drinking, polite form)

2. 今日は天気が*いい*。(adjective for good, plain form)

3. 彼女は昨日映画を*見ました*。(verb for watching, past tense, polite form)

4. 明日学校に*行く*。(verb for going, plain form)

5. 私たちは公園でピクニックを*しました*。(verb for doing, past tense, polite form)

6. 彼は英語を*話す*。(verb for speaking, plain form)

7. その本はとても*おもしろい*。(adjective for interesting, plain form)

8. 彼女は毎日ジョギングを*します*。(verb for doing, polite form)

9. 私は昨日友達に*会った*。(verb for meeting, past tense, plain form)

10. 彼らは週末に旅行を*します*。(verb for doing, polite form)

Exercise 2

1. 明日、映画を*見ます*。(polite form of "to watch")

2. 昨日、友達に*会った*。(plain form of "to meet")

3. お茶を*飲みますか*。(polite question form of "to drink")

4. 彼は毎日学校へ*行く*。(plain form of "to go")

5. 週末にどこへ*行きますか*。(polite question form of "to go")

6. 田中さんはパーティーに*来ません*。(polite negative form of "to come")

7. 私は昨日新しい本を*買った*。(plain form of "to buy")

8. ここで写真を*撮ってもいいですか*。(polite form of "to take photos")

9. 山田さんは毎朝ジョギングを*します*。(polite form of "to do")

10. 彼女は日本語を*話す*。(plain form of "to speak")

Exercise 3

1. 田中さんは毎日公園に *行きます* (polite form of "to go").

2. あなたは昨日何を *食べた*? (plain form of "to eat").

3. 先生は学生に宿題を *出しました* (polite form of "to give").

4. 明日どこに *行く*? (plain form of "to go").

5. 彼女は友達と映画を *見ました* (polite form of "to watch").

6. 子供たちは公園で *遊んだ* (plain form of "to play").

7. 私の父は毎朝早く *起きます* (polite form of "to wake up").

8. 昨日の夜何を *した*? (plain form of "to do").

9. 彼は毎日コーヒーを *飲みます* (polite form of "to drink").

10. あなたは日本語をどこで *勉強した*? (plain form of "to study").