What it means
ました is the polite past affirmative ending for verbs. It describes an action or event that happened or was completed in the past, while also using a polite style suitable for speaking with unfamiliar people, customers, teachers, or in other respectful situations. It attaches to the verb’s ます-stem, such as 見ます becoming 見ました. The familiar equivalent is the verb’s た-form, such as 見た.
Usage note
ました is used for affirmative past statements. For past negative statements, use ませんでした instead, as in 見ませんでした. Do not attach ました directly to a dictionary-form verb.
How to use it
昨日、私は映画を見ました。
I watched a movie yesterday.
昨日、私は映画を見た。
I watched a movie yesterday.
Example sentences
駅で先生に会いました。
I met my teacher at the station.
昨日、図書館で日本語の本を読みました。
Yesterday, I read a Japanese book at the library.
母とスーパーで新しい傘を買いました。
I bought a new umbrella at the supermarket with my mother.
先週、会社