です

desu

auxiliary verb★Beginner

formal

A polite copula used to assert or describe something in a formal or respectful manner.

これは本です。

This is a book.

私は学生です。

I am a student.

💡

Used in polite speech, often in formal or respectful contexts. It is the polite form of the copula 'だ' (da).

Collocations

ですis/am/are (polite)ですかis it?/are you? (polite question)

ですかphrase

Polite question form

ではありませんphrase

Polite negative form

Use 'です' when speaking formally, such as in business or with strangers. For casual speech, use 'だ' (da).

Always use 'です' in formal contexts. It is essential for maintaining respect in Japanese communication.

Derived from the contraction of the classical Japanese 'で御座います' (de gozaimasu), which is a polite form of the copula.

Used in formal speech, business settings, and when speaking to strangers or superiors. Not used in casual conversation among friends or family.

で

Polite auxiliary

prefix

す

Polite auxiliary

suffix

和英辞典