What is Desu in Japanese: A Simple Guide for Beginners

In the Japanese language, desu (です) is a crucial word that often puzzles new learners. Though it’s usually translated as "to be" or "it is" in English, understanding how and when to use it properly is key to sounding natural in Japanese conversations. This article will explain the meaning, usage, and different levels of politeness associated with desu in Japanese, while also exploring how it changes based on context and formality.

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What Is "Desu" (です)?

Desu in Japanese is a "copula," a term used to connect the subject of a sentence to its predicate. In English, this would correspond to words like "is," "am," or "are." While the definition may seem straightforward, using desu correctly requires awareness of certain cultural and grammatical subtleties.

The Importance of Politeness in Japanese

Politeness plays a massive role in Japanese communication. There are multiple levels of speech, from casual to extremely formal, and each situation may require a different way of speaking. Understanding desu in Japanese is part of mastering these levels of formality.

Some say there are three general levels of politeness in Japanese, while others suggest there are up to nine. This includes factors like the relationship between the speakers and their relative social status. Even native speakers can find these levels complex, so beginners shouldn't feel intimidated by this concept.

Different Forms of "Desu" Based on Politeness

Let's look at the main variations of desu in Japanese:

1. Most Informal: "Da" (だ)

This version is used with friends, family and people of the same age. It’s straightforward and relaxed, making it perfect for informal settings. Here's how it works:

これはパソコンだ。

Kore wa pasokon da.

This is a computer.

Since da is less formal, it should not be used in professional or respectful interactions.

2. Neutral/Polite: "Desu" (です)

Desu in Japanese is the polite form. This is what you should use when meeting someone for the first time or in any formal yet not overly strict setting.

Kare wa sakka desu.

He is a writer.

By using desu, you show respect without sounding overly formal or casual. It’s a safe choice for most day-to-day conversations.

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3. Very Formal: "De Gozaimasu" (でございます)

De gozaimasu (でございます) is the highly formal version of desu in Japanese. You may hear it in formal speeches, news broadcasts, or when addressing customers and superiors in a business environment.

つぎは、京都駅でございます。

Tsugi wa, Kyoto eki de gozaimasu.

Next stop, Kyoto Station.

Use de gozaimasu in formal contexts such as interviews, customer service, or professional settings to convey utmost respect.

4. Historical/Formal: "De Gozaru" (でござる)

De gozaru (でござる) is an older, formal version of desu in Japanese. That may remind people of samurai speech. It’s more of a playful or period-specific term today, often used for historical dramas or comedic effect.

われは武士でござる。

Ware wa bushi de gozaru.

I am a samurai.

Basic Grammar of Desu in Japanese Sentences

Unlike English, where "to be" has different forms depending on the subject (e.g., I am, she is, we are), desu stays consistent regardless of who or what you’re talking about.

Sentence Structure Using "Desu"

A simple Japanese sentence with desu follows this structure:

This structure means "A is B." Examples:

わたしはたなかです。

Watashi wa Tanaka desu.

I am Tanaka.

これはほんです。

Kore wa hon desu.

This is a book.

In each case, desu acts as the copula that ties the topic of the sentence (marked by wa) to the predicate.

Examples Without an Explicit Subject

Japanese often omits the subject when it's obvious from the context:

いとうです。

Itou desu.

(I) am Itou.

えんぴつです。

Enpitsu desu.

(It) is a pencil.

This omission can lead to ambiguity in translation, but in natural conversation, the context usually clarifies the meaning.

Conjugating "Desu": Affirmative and Negative Forms

Desu conjugates to express different tenses and affirmations:

ほんです。

Hon desu.

It is a book.

ほんではありません。

Hon de wa arimasen.

It is not a book.

Why "Non-Past" Instead of "Present"?

In Japanese, the same form of the verb is used for both present and future tenses. Therefore, desu doesn't specify a strict present or future time unless other words in the sentence clarify it.

Cultural Insights into Using Desu in Japanese

Respect and Hierarchy

The choice between desu, de gozaimasu, and other variations is deeply tied to Japanese social norms. Younger people speaking to their elders, employees addressing customers, or speakers in formal situations will opt for de gozaimasu over desu to show heightened respect.

Learning to Balance Formality

When learning japanese desu, it's common for beginners to overuse either the formal or informal forms. The key is to observe and mimic native speakers. Watch Japanese shows, listen to news anchors, or ask a friend for tips.

Tips for Mastering Desu in Japanese

1. Start with "Desu": Use desu in most conversations until you get a feel for when to use more formal or informal forms.

2. Observe Context: Pay attention to how native speakers switch between desu and its variations.

3. Practice Conjugation: Practice saying sentences in both affirmative and negative forms. This helps solidify your understanding of desu in its various tenses.

Common Situations for Using Desu in Japanese

Introducing Yourself

わたしはジェンです。

Watashi wa Jen desu.

I am Jen.

Describing Objects

ここは駅です。

Koko wa eki desu.

This is a train station.

Simple Conversations

When answering basic questions, desu often concludes the sentence:

FAQs about Desu in Japanese

1. What does "desu" mean in Japanese?

Desu acts as a copula, similar to "is/am/are" in English, connecting the subject to the predicate.

2. Is "desu" always needed?

No, in informal settings, da can replace desu, and in formal ones, de gozaimasu is used. Sometimes, it’s dropped entirely in very casual speech.

3. Why is "da" different from "desu"?

Da is the informal form of desu, used among friends or equals. Desu is more polite and appropriate for most situations.

4. What’s the past tense of "desu"?

The past form of desu is deshita (でした), used to show that something was true or occurred in the past.

5. How do you negate "desu"?

The negative non-past form of desu is de wa arimasen (ではありません), while the past negative form is de wa arimasen deshita (ではありませんでした). These forms are used to express that something is not true or did not happen.

6. When should I use "de gozaimasu"?

Use de gozaimasu in very formal settings, like when speaking to customers, making a public announcement, or addressing high-status individuals.

7. Is "desu" pronounced exactly as it's written?

No, desu isn’t pronounced as "dess-you." The ending "u" is generally silent or only softly pronounced, making it sound more like "dess."

8. Can "desu" be used with adjectives?

No, adjectives in Japanese don't require desu for basic sentences. For instance, "The flower is beautiful" would be はなはきれいです (Hana wa kirei desu). The desu in this sentence adds politeness but is not grammatically required for the adjective itself.

9. What’s the difference between "desu" and "imasu/aru"?

Desu is a copula that links the subject to a predicate (like identity or characteristics), while imasu and aru are verbs for existence. Use imasu for living things (e.g., people, animals) and aru for non-living things. Example:

• **ほんはあります。***Hon wa arimasu.*There is a book.

10. Can "desu" be dropped in conversations?

Yes, desu can be dropped in casual conversations, especially among close friends or family members. However, it’s best to keep it in most beginner-level conversations for politeness.

11. Is "desu" used in written Japanese?

Yes, desu is used in both spoken and written Japanese, particularly in formal or semi-formal writing, like letters and emails. For very formal documents, the more polite de gozaimasu may be preferred.

12. Can I use "desu" with verbs?

No, desu cannot be used directly with verbs. Instead, verbs are conjugated to indicate politeness. Desu is only used with nouns or adjectives.

13. What happens if I use "desu" in the wrong context?

Using desu in an overly formal or informal context might make your speech sound awkward. For example, using de gozaimasu with close friends can seem overly stiff, while using da with your boss might come off as disrespectful.

14. Why is "desu" sometimes written as "です" without kanji?

Desu is almost always written in hiragana (です) because it does not have an associated kanji. It’s considered a grammatical particle, not a standalone word with kanji representation.

15. Is there a difference between "desu" and "da" in written Japanese?

Yes. In writing, desu gives a polite tone to essays, formal letters, or articles. Da appears in casual writing, like personal diaries or messages between friends.

16. How do children use "desu"?

Children are often taught to use desu in their early speech as a way to be polite, even if their sentence structures are simpler. Over time, they learn when to switch to da as they become comfortable with casual speech.

17. Can "desu" be used in commands or requests?

No, desu is not used in commands or requests. For polite requests, use forms like ～ください (kudasai) or verb conjugations with ～てください (te kudasai).

18. Does "desu" indicate gender?

No, desu is gender-neutral and can be used by anyone, regardless of gender. Unlike some languages, Japanese does not change the form of the copula based on the speaker’s gender.

19. Is it correct to say "arimasu desu"?

No, it is incorrect. Arimasu already acts as a verb, and desu is not added after a verb. You would simply say arimasu for non-living objects or imasu for living beings.

Final Thoughts

Learning desu in Japanese helps create a foundation for polite conversation and understanding of formality in the language. It’s the key to connecting ideas and making sentences sound complete. Mastering the nuances of desu, de gozaimasu, and da will significantly enhance your Japanese fluency and ability to communicate respectfully in various situations.

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