How to deduce the verb class in Japanese language

How to distinguish between ichidan (ru-verb) and godan (u-verb).

Here’s a simple rule: if a verb’s dictionary form does not end in eru or iru, it is definitely an u verb. If it ends in eru or iru, it can be either a ru verb or an u verb.
Examples of u-verbs (godan) :

  • 書く kaku (write)
  • 読む yomu (read)
  • 売る uru (sell)
  • とる toru (take)
  • なる naru (become)

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