Memorization Techniques for Japanese Conjugation

A classic mnemonic for godan te-form conjugation:

"う・つ・る → って
む・ぶ・ぬ → んで
く → いて (but 行く → 行って)
ぐ → いで
す → して"

(u/tsu/ru → tte, mu/bu/nu → nde, ku → ite, gu → ide, su → shite)

Create memorable stories for exceptions:

For godan verbs ending in -iru/-eru:

"The runner (走る) enters (入る) and cuts (切る) the cake, then returns (帰る) home knowing (知る) everyone had fun."

All these verbs are godan despite their endings!

Learn related forms together as chunks:

• Basic negative chain: ない → なかった → なくて
• Polite chain: ます → ません → ました → ませんでした
• Potential-Passive-Causative: られる patterns

Create color-coded visual charts:

• Color by verb type: Blue for godan, green for ichidan, red for irregular
• Highlight patterns: Same color for same transformations
• Physical writing: Write charts by hand for better retention

Associate conjugations with mental images:

• Negative (〜ない): Imagine a "nay-sayer" shaking their head
• Past (〜た): Think of "ta-da!" for completed actions
• Volitional (〜おう): "Oh, let's do it!" enthusiasm