What it means
ません is the polite negative ending for verbs. It attaches to the verb’s ます-stem and means that someone does not or will not do an action. It is used in polite speech and writing, including conversations with unfamiliar people, customers, teachers, and coworkers. Its familiar equivalent is ない attached to the verb’s negative stem.
Usage note
ません expresses present or future negation depending on context. For a polite past negative, use ませんでした instead.
How to use it
私は毎朝、牛乳を飲みません。
I do not drink milk every morning.
私は毎朝、牛乳を飲まない。
I do not drink milk every morning.
Example sentences
図書館では大きな声で話しません。
I do not speak loudly in the library.
明日の朝はコーヒーを飲みません。
I will not drink coffee tomorrow morning.
母は毎晩テレビを見ません。
My mother does not watch television every evening.
駅で新聞を買いません。
I will not buy a newspaper at the station.