Grammar

〜です

Reading: です

Meanings: is/are (polite)

Explanation

introduction

explanation

*です* is the **polite** way to say *is* or *are* in Japanese. You place it at the end of a sentence after a `noun` or `na-adjective` to make a **polite** statement.

explanation

*です* is the **polite** counterpart of *だ*. Use *です* in most everyday conversations — with strangers, coworkers, teachers, or anyone you want to show respect to.

structure

explanation

Unlike *だ*, you can also add *です* after `i-adjectives` to make them **polite**. While *です* does not conjugate the `i-adjective` itself, it adds politeness to the sentence.

Example sentences

これは本ほんです。
kore wa hon desu.
This is a book.
あれはは日に本ほんです。
are wa nihon desu
That is Japan.

Practice exercises

usage_japanese
彼かれは先生せんせい{placeholder}。
Answer: です
usage_japanese
それは猫ねこ{placeholder}。
Answer: です
usage_japanese
今日きょうは土曜日どようび{placeholder}。
Answer: です
usage_japanese
この公園こうえんは静しずか{placeholder}。
Answer: です
usage_japanese
彼女かのじょは親切しんせつ{placeholder}。
Answer: です
usage_japanese
私わたしは学生がくせい{placeholder}。
Answer: です
usage_japanese
あの建物たてものは図書館としょかん{placeholder}。
Answer: です
usage_japanese
妹いもうとは大学生だいがくせい{placeholder}。
Answer: です
usage_japanese
今日きょうの会議かいぎは三さん時じから{placeholder}。
Answer: です
usage_japanese
彼かれの趣味しゅみは料理りょうりと読書どくしょ{placeholder}。
Answer: です