え-Stem
Meaning
The え-stem is a verb form used to create potential, imperative, and passive/causative forms of Godan verbs.
It represents a modified version of the verb stem and is not used independently but as part of larger conjugation patterns.
How to Form
| Verb Type | Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Ichidan (る) | Remove る → use the remaining stem | 食べる → 食べ |
| Godan (う) | Change final う-sound to its え-row counterpart | 書く → 書け 話す → 話せ |
| Irregular | する → でき 来（く）る → 来（こ） |
勉強する → 勉強できる 来る → 来（こ）られる |
Godan え-Stem Conversion Chart
| Ending | え-Stem |
|---|---|
| う | え |
| く | け |
| ぐ | げ |
| す | せ |
| つ | て |
| ぬ | ね |
| ぶ | べ |
| む | め |
| る | れ |
Examples:
- 書く → 書け
- 話す → 話せ
- 飲む → 飲め
- 遊ぶ → 遊べ
- 待つ → 待て
Notes
- Think of the え-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 え-stem helps with conjugating potential, causative, and passive constructions.