How do verb endings change between formal and informal speech
Japanese Language Nuances: Formal vs Informal Usage: How do verb endings change between formal and informal speech
Verb endings differ significantly between formal and informal speech in many languages, often reflecting levels of respect, politeness, and social context.
Formal vs Informal Verb Endings in Japanese
- Formal speech uses polite verb endings like -ます (-masu) for non-past tense and -ました (-mashita) for past tense. For example, “to eat” is 食べます (tabemasu) in formal non-past and 食べました (tabemashita) in formal past.
- Informal speech uses dictionary or plain form verbs such as 食べる (taberu) for non-past and 食べた (tabeta) for past.
- Formal speech also uses polite copula です (desu), while informal often uses だ (da) or drops the copula entirely.
- Politeness markers and sentence endings differ, with formal sentences typically ending in polite forms, and informal ones using plain forms or sentence-ending particles like ね (ne) or よ (yo). 4, 13
Formal vs Informal Verb Conjugation in English
- Formal English uses full verb forms with proper conjugation, precise tense, and often avoids contractions (e.g., “She will contact” vs. informal “She’s gonna call”).
- Informal English prefers simpler verbs and more conversational forms, including contractions and colloquial verbs (e.g., “use” vs. “utilize,” “got over” vs. “recovered”).
- Formal language favors third-person perspective and structured tone, while informal is more personal and relaxed. 2, 7
Formal vs Informal Verb Endings in German
- Formal speech often requires verb conjugations with endings like -en (the infinitive or third-person plural).
- Informal speech uses more relaxed verb forms and is common in close relationships like family and friends.
- Formal speech is used in business, with strangers, and in professional settings, and informal speech is used among peers and children. 6, 11
Summary
Verb endings change between formal and informal speech by:
- Adding polite or respectful suffixes in formal contexts.
- Using plain, dictionary, or root forms in informal contexts.
- Including or omitting polite copulas or auxiliary verbs.
- Employing contractions or casual verb forms in informal speech.
- Reflecting social hierarchy or relationship between speakers.
The exact changes depend on the language and social norms, but the overall pattern is to signal politeness and respect in formal situations versus casual, direct communication in informal ones.
If a specific language is of interest, further detailed explanation can be provided. 7, 4, 6