〜ませんでした
polite negative past
Use this pattern to shape a complete, natural Japanese thought.
Remember it
Connect the meaning to its sound: say “〜ませんでした” aloud once.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜ませんでした」 means "polite negative past". Structure: Verb stem + ませんでした. This is a JLPT N5 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Read the example aloud, then replace one detail with something from your own life.
Tone: Polite
A safe choice for everyday conversations, shops, school, and the workplace.
Use
Hear it in real life
At school
Example 1先週勉強をしませんでした。
せんしゅうべんきょうをしませんでした。
senshuubenkyouoshimasendeshita.
I did not do study last week.
Everyday life
Example 2先週質問をしませんでした。
せんしゅうしつもんをしませんでした。
senshuushitsumon'oshimasendeshita.
I did not do question last week.
Shopping & services
Example 3先週買い物をしませんでした。
せんしゅうかいものをしませんでした。
senshuukaimonooshimasendeshita.
I did not do shopping last week.
Everyday life
Example 4先週洗濯をしませんでした。
せんしゅうせんたくをしませんでした。
senshuusentakuoshimasendeshita.
I did not do laundry last week.
Everyday life
Example 5先週電話をしませんでした。
せんしゅうでんわをしませんでした。
senshuudenwaoshimasendeshita.
I did not do telephone call last week.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
I did not do study last week.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜ませんでした.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.