015: Skipping Class

Remember when I said that the bases are like puzzle pieces? Where this is where that comes into full swing. Today we are going to talk about expression that use the building blocks of the bases. Below are three examples of this in action that all come from the script. 

Bases are used to connect to things together, and also possess their own meanings. Once you learn what goes with what you are well on your way to learning Japanese. That is why we decided to teach you bases so early in our comic, because we wanted to maximize your exposure as early as possible.

When verbs are changed into their bases they also change meanings. This can be found below, and while this is not an expansive list is does give you a starting point. 

Base 1: Exclamative. Often, you will hear someone say a Base 1 verb in a sharp and/or abrupt way, typically seen in conjunction with negative forms of a verb.  For example のむ: to drink＋B1 のま＋ない does not drink.

Base 2: When changed into this base, the verb itself can become a noun. Used in countless forms of conjugation and connection. Often seen in compound verbs.  

Base 3: Plain form. This base is the positive present tense of all verbs, also known as dictionary form. All verbs ‘start out’ in this form, so if you’re looking up a verb in a dictionary make sure to search its plain form.  

Base 4: Command form. This is a very easily confused base. People either think it is more intense than it really is or less intense than it actually is. For the most part, Base 4 is used in giving short and curt commands. This form can be quite rude and should be used carefully – never use it with people you aren’t on familiar terms with… unless you’re purposefully intending to demean or anger the other person. Also used in conjunction with conditional aux verbs such as [Base 4 + ba] and possibility aux verbs such as [Base 4 + ru].  

Base 5: Expresses ‘let’s [verb]’. Literally, this is the way to say let’s ____!  

Base Te: This base has a couple of functions: 1.) Connecting sentences or clauses; used often to link a clause to another clause in which a reason for the previous clause is given. 2.) Base Te can also link verbs and adjectives exhaustively like と can do for nouns. 3.) Base Te is used in conjunction with iru to express ‘ing‘; a verb that is currently [verb]ing, or a current state, continual process presently occurring, or current condition.  

Base Ta: Indicates past tense. Also used with conditional verbs such as [Base Ta + ra].  

B2Verb+に+いく = To go verb. EX: To go shopping.　買いに行く（かう＋B2＝かい　に（The direction particle）行く（いく）to go）

Base 2 is often seen as turning the verb into a noun. While that is not all it does, it can be seen using this function in this expression. 

BTE＋もつ＋いく/くる

Base Te is the connecting base. That mean it is often used to make compound verbs. In this case we have to hold もつ and to go いく or come くる. In this case it would mean to bring to take with you. Literally to hold and come or hold and go もっていく/もってくる. because they are connected with Base Te though they are connected. 

BTE＋ いい  

In this case we have Base Te connecting a verb with an adjective. That is the adjective いい which means good. This means that it is alright (good) is someone does something. See if you can find this grammar point/expression in the story down below. We will talk about adjectives another day, but we wanted to make sure that we give you some context when reading everything.