5-7. Verb Dictionary Form &て-form

5.7.1 Dictionary form

There are two groups: one without a falling pitch and one with a falling pitch.

1 Group without a falling pitch

do

go

sing

begin

2 Group with a falling pitch

take

drink

make

speak

Most verbs with three moras are pronounced L-H-L, but there are a few pronounced H-L-L.

go home

return something 

enter

go through/pass

penetrate

say (humble)

Noun + する

The first word in a noun+する dictates the pitch pattern for する(suru). When the first word ends in the low pitch, する is pronounced L-L. When the first word ends in the high pitch, する is pronounced H-H.  

cook

organize

invite

travel

make phone call

dine

study

ask a question

exercise (physical)

5.7.2 て-form

When the dictionary form does not have a falling pitch, its て-form doesn't either. When the dicionary form has a falling pitch, its て-form does as well. The past tense た-form follows the て-form pattern. 

1 Group without a falling pitch

do

go

sing

begin

2 Group with a falling pitch

take

drink

enter

go through

go home

make

speak