The dictionary form is the basic verb form you find in dictionaries. It is the same as the plain present form and is used in casual speech and in many grammar patterns. Key points: • Dictionary form = base verb form (行く, 食べる, 見る) • Used in casual speech and grammar patterns • Appears in dictionaries, apps, and textbooks • Needed before こと, 前, とき, 〜たい (stem), etc. For example, 食べる is the dictionary form of “to eat.” 行く is “to go.” These are the forms you should memorize for vocabulary study. Knowing the dictionary form helps you identify verb groups and conjugate correctly. If you know 食べる, you can make 食べます, 食べて, 食べない. In sentences, the dictionary form can act as the plain present: “毎日日本語を勉強する” (I study Japanese every day). At N5, focus on learning verbs in dictionary form, then learn their ます forms. This makes it much easier to expand your grammar later.