です
desu[de̞sɨ̥]
The English phrase 'am' can be translated into Japanese using です (desu).
The term 午前 (ごぜん) refers to the period from midnight until noon, equivalent to AM.
Meaning: before noon (adv)
How do you pronounce it?
desu
Did you know?
- The potential origin of です as a contraction of でする (de suru) would mean its roots are tied to the verb 'to do'.
- While です translates as 'am' or 'is', it can be omitted entirely in casual speech to create a more intimate tone between friends.
- Japanese often drops the word for 'I' entirely when using です if it is obvious who is speaking.
Examples in context
- 電話中です。I am talking on the phone.This sentence shows how to use です to describe 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 uses です to state a person's identity as a student.Tatoeba #137609 by tommy_san, translation #275627 by CC
- 仕事中です。I am working.This sentence demonstrates using です to describe being in the middle of work.Tatoeba #1046221 by bunbuku, translation #340708 by tinacalysto
- 会議は午前10時からですか？Is the meeting at 10 AM?
- 午前中は大丈夫ですか？Is the morning okay?
- 362 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daito and Himari are discussing when to meet for lunch.
- 大翔 Hiroto明日は何時に会いますか。Ashita wa nanji ni aimasu ka.What time shall we meet tomorrow?
- 陽葵 Himari午前11時です。Gozen juu-ichiji desu.It is 11 am.
- 大翔 Hirotoいいですね。駅で待ち合わせましょう。Ii desu ne. Eki de machiawasemashou.That sounds good. Let's meet at the station.
- 陽葵 Himariわかりました。また明日。Wakarimashita. Mata ashita.Understood. See you tomorrow.
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.
