あ-Stem
Meaning
The あ-stem is a verb stem used as the base for forming several conjugated verb forms in Japanese.
It appears primarily in Godan verbs and is essential for making forms like:
～ない (negative), ～れる (passive), ～せる (causative), etc.
How to Form
| Verb Type | Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Ichidan (る) | Remove る → use the remaining stem | 食べる → 食べ |
| Godan (う) | Change the final う-sound to its あ-row counterpart | 飲む → 飲ま 書く → 書か 話す → 話さ |
| Irregular | する → し 来る → 来（こ） |
勉強する → 勉強し 来る → 来（こ） |
Godan あ-Stem Conversion Chart
| Ending | あ-Stem |
|---|---|
| う | わ |
| く | か |
| ぐ | が |
| す | さ |
| つ | た |
| ぬ | な |
| ぶ | ば |
| む | ま |
| る | ら |
Examples:
- 書く → 書か
- 話す → 話さ
- 読む → 読ま
- 死ぬ → 死な
- 会う → 会わ
Notes
- Think of the あ-stem as a building block — it’s not used on its own, but forms the base for many common conjugations.
- Only Godan verbs undergo a sound change to form the あ-stem.
- Ichidan verbs keep their stem consistent across most forms.
Mastering the あ-stem helps with conjugating negative, passive, causative, and potential forms.