連用形
Formal Conjunctive
Structure
［い］Adjective［
Explanation
In Japanese, what is known as the conjunctive form is sometimes called the 'ます-stem' when referring to verbs. However, 'conjunctive form' is a more precise term, because it applies to other word types as well. At its core, the conjunctive form is the base used to connect a word to other grammatical structures. For い-Adjectives, this is achieved by changing い to く, while for verbs, it is the stem that attaches to ます.
This conjunctive form is also known as the 'formal conjunctive' because of how it can be used to link clauses together with a comma. While the conjunction particle て is typically used for this purpose in everyday Japanese, the formal conjunctive provides a more literary way to connect ideas without needing て. Let's review a few examples.
- その本を読み、レポートを書きました。I read that book, (and) then I wrote a report.
- 窓を開け、空気を入れ替えてください。Please open the window, (and) let in some fresh air.
- このカバンは軽く、持ちやすい。This bag is light, (and) it's easy to carry.
- ここのラーメンは美味しく、値段も安いので人気があります。The ramen here is delicious (and) cheap, so it's very popular.
As shown in the examples, even without using て, a 読点 (Japanese comma) is necessary to clearly separate the clauses and avoid confusion.Caution
You will mainly encounter this style of connection in written Japanese or formal speeches. In casual conversation, the standard て form is overwhelmingly more common.
Examples
本を読み、寝ました。
I read a book, (and) then went to bed.
この料理は安く、とてもおいしい。
This dish is inexpensive, (and) very delicious.
朝早く起き、散歩に出かけた。
I woke up early in the morning, (and) went out for a walk.
宿題を完了し、ゲームを始めた。
I completed my homework, (and) started playing video games.
空は澄み、空気は新鮮だった。
The sky was clear, (and) the air was fresh.
彼はよく学び、大きく成長した。
He studied hard, (and) grew a great deal.
電車を降り、バスに乗り換えた。
I got off the train, (and) transferred to a bus.
プロジェクトが終了し、みんなで祝った。
The project ended, (and) everyone celebrated together.
このバッグは軽く、持ち運びに便利だ。
This bag is light, (and) convenient to carry.
道に迷い、人に尋ねた。
I got lost, (so) I asked someone for directions.
準備が完了し、いつでも出発できる。
Preparations are complete, (so) we can depart at any time.
ナレーター：「マリアは窓を開け、新鮮な朝の空気を吸い込んでほほえんだ。それが長い間経験する最後の穏やかな朝になるとは、彼女は知る由もなかった。」
マリア：「なんてすてきな一日でしょう！」
Narrator: 'Maria opened the window, breathed in the fresh morning air, and smiled. Little did she know that this would be the last peaceful morning she would experience for a very long time.'
Maria: 'What a wonderful day!'