Grammar
N5 adjective

i-adjective present negative 〜くないです

Meaning

To make an i-adjective negative, drop 〜い and add 〜くないです (or the more formal 〜くありません).

Formation

Notes

The stem is the adjective without 〜い. Note いい → よくないです (irregular; uses よ- stem).

Examples

This book is not interesting.

Breakdown
this book (topic) not interesting (polite)

Today is not hot. (formal negative)

Breakdown
today (topic) is not hot

This dish is not tasty.

Breakdown
this dish (topic) not delicious (polite)

I am not busy.

Breakdown
I (topic) not busy (polite)

That movie is not good. (いい → よくない, IRREGULAR)

Breakdown
that movie (topic) not good (irr.) (polite)

This shop is not expensive.

Breakdown
this shop (topic) not expensive (polite)

⚠️ Often confused with

i-adjective present affirmative 〜いです

i-adjectives end in い and conjugate THEMSELVES. です only adds politeness (it does not co...

i-adjective past 〜かったです / 〜くなかったです

i-adjective past affirmative: drop 〜い, add 〜かったです. Past negative: 〜くなかったです...