Processing keyword: Verb に 行きます (Verb ni ikimasu)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verb に 行きます (Verb ni ikimasu)

1. Introduction

The Japanese grammatical structure Verb に 行きます (Verb ni ikimasu) is used to express the purpose of going somewhere to perform an action. It's similar to saying "go to [do something]" in English. This pattern is essential for conveying intentions and plans in everyday conversation.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

Verb に 行きます is a construction where the verb before に is in its masu-stem form (the verb base without ます). The particle に indicates the purpose or goal of movement. Combined with 行きます (ikimasu, "to go"), it expresses going somewhere to perform the action denoted by the verb.

Meaning, Structure, Formation Diagram

Meaning

• Verb に 行きます: "Go to [do verb]"

Structure

[Place] へ/に    [Verb Stem] に    行きます

• [Place] へ/に: Destination particle (へ or に) plus the place you're going to.
• [Verb Stem] に: Verb in the masu-stem form plus に to indicate purpose.
• 行きます: The verb "to go."

Formation Diagram

Component	Example
Place Particle	学校へ (gakkō e) - To school
Verb Stem	勉強し (benkyō shi) - Study (stem of 勉強します)
Purpose Particle	に (ni)
Main Verb	行きます (ikimasu) - Go

Visual Aids

Structure Breakdown:

[Subject] は [Place] へ/に [Verb Stem] に 行きます。

Example:

私は 図書館に 本を 読み に 行きます。

• 私は (watashi wa): I
• 図書館に (toshokan ni): To the library
• 本を (hon o): A book
• 読み (yomi): Read (verb stem of 読みます)
• に (ni): Purpose particle
• 行きます (ikimasu): Go

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

• Verb ます-form + たいです: Expresses desire to do something.
  • 映画を見たいです。 (Eiga o mitai desu.) - I want to watch a movie.
• Verb て-form + 行きます: Indicates doing something and then going.
  • 昼ご飯を食べて行きます。 (Hirugohan o tabete ikimasu.) - I will eat lunch and then go.

Differences

• Verb に 行きます emphasizes the purpose before going.
• Verb て-form + 行きます describes an action that happens prior to going.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. 銀行へ お金を 下ろし に 行きます。
   • Romaji: Ginkō e okane o oroshi ni ikimasu.
   • Translation: I am going to the bank to withdraw money.
2. 公園に ジョギングし に 行きます。
   • Romaji: Kōen ni jogingu shi ni ikimasu.
   • Translation: I am going jogging in the park.
3. デパートへ プレゼントを 買い に 行きます。
   • Romaji: Depāto e purezento o kai ni ikimasu.
   • Translation: I am going to the department store to buy a present.
4. 友だちの家へ 遊び に 行きます。
   • Romaji: Tomodachi no ie e asobi ni ikimasu.
   • Translation: I am going to my friend's house to hang out.
5. 図書館に 勉強し に 行きます。
   • Romaji: Toshokan ni benkyō shi ni ikimasu.
   • Translation: I am going to the library to study.

Formal vs. Informal Speech

• Formal: お祭りに 写真を 撮り に 行きます。

  • Omatsuri ni shashin o tori ni ikimasu.
  • I am going to take photos at the festival.

• Informal: コンビニに 飲み物を 買い に 行く。

  • Konbini ni nomimono o kai ni iku.
  • I'm going to the convenience store to buy drinks.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese society, expressing intentions clearly is valued for effective communication. The Verb に 行きます structure is commonly used to politely state one's purpose, especially when informing others of your plans.

Levels of Politeness

• Polite Form: 行きます (ikimasu)
• Casual Form: 行く (iku) Using the appropriate form reflects the level of formality based on the relationship between speakers.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 遊びに行きます (asobi ni ikimasu): Go to have fun/hang out.
• 飲みに行きます (nomi ni ikimasu): Go out for drinks.
• 食べに行きます (tabe ni ikimasu): Go out to eat. These expressions are often used in social contexts, such as inviting someone out.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using the Plain Form Instead of the Verb Stem
   • Incorrect: 映画を 見る に 行きます。
   • Correct: 映画を 見 に 行きます。
   • Explanation: Use the verb stem 見 (mi) rather than the dictionary form 見る (miru).
2. Omitting the Purpose Particle に
   • Incorrect: 友だちの家へ 遊び 行きます。
   • Correct: 友だちの家へ 遊び に 行きます。
   • Explanation: The particle に is essential to indicate purpose.
3. Incorrect Particle Usage
   • Incorrect: 図書館を 勉強し に 行きます。
   • Correct: 図書館 に 勉強し に 行きます。
   • Explanation: Use the destination particle に or へ with places when indicating direction or movement.

Learning Strategies

• Verb Stem Practice: Regularly practice converting verbs to their stems.
  • 話します (hanashimasu) → 話し (hanashi)
  • 書きます (kakimasu) → 書き (kaki)
• Create Sentences: Form your own sentences using daily activities.
  • Think of places you go and why you go there.
• Use Flashcards: Make flashcards with verbs on one side and their stems on the other.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Verb に 行きます expresses going somewhere to perform an action.
• The verb before に must be in the masu-stem form.
• Always include the purpose particle に after the verb stem.
• Use the destination particles に or へ to indicate where you're going.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank with the correct verb stem: スーパーに 食べ物を ______ に 行きます。
   • Answer: 買い (kai)
2. Is this sentence correct? If not, correct it: 学校へ 勉強に 行きます。
   • Answer: Correct!
3. Translate into Japanese: "I am going to the station to meet my friend."
   • Answer: 駅に 友だちに 会い に 行きます。

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By mastering the Verb に 行きます structure, you'll enhance your ability to discuss plans and intentions in Japanese, making your conversations more natural and precise.

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