動詞

• Reading: どうし
• Romaji: doushi
• Kanji breakdown: 動 (dou) — move, motion; 詞 (shi) — word, part of speech
• Pronunciation: /doː.ɕi/

Meaning

Verb; a word that describes an action, state, or occurrence.

A grammatical term for verbs. Essential vocabulary for anyone studying Japanese grammar. Key related terms: 名詞 (meishi, noun), 形容詞 (keiyoushi, adjective), 副詞 (fukushi, adverb). In Japanese grammar education, verbs are classified as 五段動詞 (godan doushi, Group 1), 一段動詞 (ichidan doushi, Group 2), and irregular verbs.

Examples

1. 日本語の動詞は語尾が変化するのが特徴だ。 A characteristic of Japanese verbs is that the endings change.
2. この文には動詞が二つ含まれている。 This sentence contains two verbs.
3. 外国人にとって動詞の活用は難しいらしい。 Apparently, verb conjugation is difficult for foreigners.

Usage Guide

Context: grammar, language study, education

Tone: academic

Origin & History

Compound of 動 (dou, move/action) and 詞 (shi, word/part of speech). Literally 'action word' — a word that expresses movement or action. Coined as a translation of the Western grammatical term 'verb.'

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji

Generation: Students and educators

Social background: Educated