Introduction
In this blog post, we will learn how to use past tense short forms in informal speech. These forms are useful for casual conversations and help you sound more natural when speaking with friends and family.
What It Means
Past tense short forms can be used similarly to the present tense forms (Short Forms Informal Speech) we discussed in the previous post. Remember that the question particle か (ka) is dropped in informal speech.
When You Use It
Use these forms when talking informally about past actions and states.
Examples
Conversation 1
きのう、朝ご飯を食べた？(Kinou, asagohan o tabeta?) – Did you have breakfast yesterday?
うん、食べた。(Un, tabeta.) / ううん、食べなかった。(Uun, tabenakatta.) – Yes, I did. / No, I didn’t.
Conversation 2
先週の金曜日は忙しかった？(Senshuu no kinyoubi wa isogashikatta?) – Were you busy last Friday?
ううん、忙しくなかった。(Uun, isogashiku nakatta.) 暇だった。(Hima datta.) – No, I wasn’t. I had free time.
Note
Unlike だ (da) in the present tense, だった (datta) is not dropped in informal speech. For example:
- 彼は学生だった。(Kare wa gakusei datta.) – He was a student.
In the present tense, you can drop だ (da):
- 彼は学生だ。(Kare wa gakusei da.) / 彼は学生 (Kare wa gakusei) – He is a student.
Conclusion
Mastering past tense short forms in informal speech allows you to communicate naturally and effectively in casual Japanese.
