JLPT N4 grammar
Plain form rule — Meaning & Examples
Inside a relative clause, use the PLAIN form (る/た/ない/なかった), never the ます form. Even in polite contexts.
Practise Plain form rule in the free app
This point is part of the “Relative Clauses & Modifying Nouns” lesson in A Star Japanese. Study it with examples, a quiz, flashcards and timed JLPT N4 mock exams. Free on iPhone and Android.
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Related N4 grammar points
From the same lesson: Relative Clauses & Modifying Nouns
Frequently asked questions
What does Plain form rule mean?
Inside a relative clause, use the PLAIN form (る/た/ない/なかった), never the ます form. Even in polite contexts.
Is Plain form rule on the JLPT N4 test?
Plain form rule is taught in the JLPT N4 grammar course in A Star Japanese (lesson “Relative Clauses & Modifying Nouns”), so it is a pattern learners at this level are expected to recognise. The JLPT does not publish an official grammar list, so treat this as a study guide rather than an official requirement.
How can I practise Plain form rule?
Open the “Relative Clauses & Modifying Nouns” lesson in the free A Star Japanese app for iPhone and Android. It has examples, a quiz after every lesson, flashcards with spaced repetition and timed JLPT N4 mock exams, with no ads.