です
desu[de̞sɨ̥]
The English word "am" is translated to Japanese as です (desu).
Meaning: before noon (adv)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Kansai region, the word ya is frequently used instead of da or desu.
How do you pronounce it?
desu
Did you know?
- The form です may have originated from the archaic expression でそうろう (de sōrō), used by samurai and in historical dramas.
- In casual Japanese, です is often dropped entirely, as the context of the sentence makes the 'am' or 'is' implied.
- In very formal or humble speech, です is replaced by でございます, which is commonly heard in high-end hotels and department stores.
Examples in context
- 電話中です。I am talking on the phone.This sentence shows how to use です to indicate a current state of being on the phone.Tatoeba #124634 by small_snow, translation #8069714 by Thanuir
- 大学生です。I am a university student.This sentence shows how to use です to state a profession or identity.Tatoeba #137609 by tommy_san, translation #275627 by CC
- 仕事中です。I am working.This sentence shows how to use です to describe a current activity or state of work.Tatoeba #1046221 by bunbuku, translation #340708 by tinacalysto
- 362 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are discussing a meeting time.
- 蓮 Ren明日の会議は午前です。Ashita no kaigi wa gozen desu.Tomorrow's meeting is in the morning.
- 結衣 Yui何時からですか？Nan-ji kara desu ka?What time does it start?
- 蓮 Ren午前十時からです。Gozen jū-ji kara desu.It's from 10 am.
- 結衣 Yuiわかりました。ありがとうございます。Wakarimashita. Arigatō gozaimasu.I understand. Thank you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry です, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries です, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
