This question appears frequently among JLPT beginners, self-learners, and students using Genki or Minna no Nihongo. In this article, you’ll get a clear, fully informative, Google-first-ranking explanation, with important terms bolded, so you’ll never be confused about yobimasu again.
What Does “Yobimasu” Mean in Japanese?
Yobimasu（呼びます） means “to call”, “to invite”, or “to name”, depending on context.
Common usage examples:
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Someone’s name → calling a person
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Inviting someone → calling them over
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Referring to something → calling something by a name
Example:
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先生を呼びます
(I call the teacher)
Understanding the meaning is important, but verb grouping depends on verb structure, not meaning.
Japanese Verb Groups Explained Simply
Japanese verbs are divided into three main groups:
Group 1 (Godan verbs)
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End in various sounds like -u, -ku, -mu, -bu
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Verb stem changes when conjugated
Group 2 (Ichidan verbs)
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Usually end in -eru or -iru
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Verb stem does not change
Group 3 (Irregular verbs)
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Only suru and kuru
Knowing these groups is essential for:
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Conjugation
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Masu-form
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Te-form
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Past tense
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Negative form
Is “Yobimasu” Group 1 or Group 2? (Correct Answer)
✅ Yobimasu is a Group 1 (Godan) verb
The dictionary form of yobimasu is:
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呼ぶ（よぶ – yobu）
Verbs that end in -bu are always Group 1 verbs.
This makes the classification very clear:
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Yobu → Group 1
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Yobimasu → Masu-form of a Group 1 verb
There is no exception here.
Why “Yobimasu” Is NOT Group 2
Many learners get confused because:
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Masu-form ends with “-imasu”
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Some Group 2 verbs also end in -imasu when polite
However, group classification is based on the dictionary form, not the masu-form.
Compare:
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呼ぶ (yobu) → ends in -bu → Group 1
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食べる (taberu) → ends in -eru → Group 2
So even though yobimasu looks similar to some Group 2 polite forms, its root verb clearly places it in Group 1.
Conjugation Examples of “Yobu” (Group 1 Verb)
Here’s how 呼ぶ (yobu) behaves as a Group 1 verb:
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Dictionary form: 呼ぶ
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Masu-form: 呼びます
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Te-form: 呼んで
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Past form: 呼んだ
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Negative: 呼ばない
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Potential: 呼べる
Notice how the verb stem changes:
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bu → bi / n / ba / be
This stem-changing behavior is a defining feature of Group 1 verbs.
Common Mistakes Learners Make with “Yobimasu”
Here are some frequent errors:
❌ Thinking it’s Group 2 because of -imasu
❌ Trying to conjugate it like taberu
❌ Forgetting to check the dictionary form
❌ Mixing up yobu with yomeru or miru
✅ Always check the plain form
✅ Look at the ending sound
✅ Remember: -bu = Group 1
Once you follow this habit, verb grouping becomes much easier.
Conclusion
So, to answer the question clearly and correctly:
Yobimasu is a Group 1 (Godan) verb.
Its dictionary form 呼ぶ (yobu) ends in -bu, which automatically places it in Group 1.
Understanding this not only helps with yobimasu, but also improves your overall grasp of Japanese verb conjugation. Mastering verb groups early will save you a lot of confusion later.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is yobimasu ever Group 2?
No. 呼ぶ (yobu) is always Group 1.
2. Why does yobimasu end in -imasu then?
Because -masu is a polite ending, not a group indicator.
3. Are all -bu verbs Group 1?
Yes. Verbs ending in -bu are always Group 1.
4. What’s the te-form of yobimasu?
呼んで (yonde).
5. How can I quickly identify verb groups?
Always check the dictionary form, not the masu-form.
