書く

かく

to write

N5Godan (U-verb / Group 1)transitive

To write or draw. A godan verb in the く row used for handwriting, typing, and composing text.

Complete Conjugation of 書く

Dictionary (辞書形)

Base form found in dictionaries

書く

Polite (ます形)

Standard polite form

書きます

Negative (ない形)

Casual negative

書かない

Past (た形)

Past tense, casual

書いた

Te-form (て形)

Connecting form — requests, progressive

書いて

Potential (可能形)

Ability — 'can do'

書ける

Volitional (意向形)

Intention — 'let's do'

書こう

Passive (受身形)

Action done to the subject

書かれる

Causative (使役形)

Make/let someone do

書かせる

Conditional (仮定形)

If / when condition

書けば

Imperative (命令形)

Direct command (casual/rough)

書け

Example Sentences

手紙を書きます。

てがみをかきます。

I write a letter.

名前を書いてください。

なまえをかいてください。

Please write your name.

漢字が書けますか？

かんじがかけますか？

Can you write kanji?

Usage Notes

Also used for drawing: 絵を描く (えをかく). Note the different kanji 描く for drawing.

Related Verbs

読むto read 話すto speak / to talk

All Japanese Verbs →Grammar Guides →Word Dictionary →

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