でした
deshita
In Japanese, the phrase "I was" is expressed as でした (deshita).
でした is the past tense form of the verb "to be" used to describe a previous state or identity. In Japanese, the subject I is often omitted when the context makes it clear that you are talking about yourself.
Which one should you use?
While でした is used for states or identities, the phrase imashita can be used to express existence or location in the past. Additionally, datta can be used as an informal alternative to でした.
How do you pronounce it?
deshita
Did you know?
- In very formal settings, でした is sometimes replaced by でございました to show extreme respect toward the person being discussed.
- While でした is the polite past tense, adding でしたね at the end turns the statement into a shared memory or a request for confirmation from the listener.
- In Japanese literature and storytelling, the informal version だった is often used to create a sense of distance or a 'narrative voice'. This makes the past state feel like a recorded fact in a chronicle.
Examples in context
- 軽率でした。I was careless.This sentence is useful for describing a previous state of being careless.Tatoeba #10574116 by small_snow, translation #2247466 by CK
- コーチでした。I was a coach.This sentence is useful for describing a previous identity or profession.Tatoeba #10477570 by small_snow, translation #5853137 by CK
- 汗だくでした。I was sweating.This sentence is useful for describing a previous physical state.Tatoeba #11983985 by small_snow, translation #2948185 by AlanF_US
- Watashi wa gakusei deshita. (私は学生でした)I was a student.
- Nihon ni imashita. (日本にいました)I was in Japan.
- Asakusa ni itan da. (浅草にいたんだ)I was in Asakusa.
- Kino, gakkō ni ita yo. (昨日、学校にいたよ)Yesterday, I was at school.
- 63 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are talking about their old school.
- 健太 Kentaここは昔、公園でしたか？koko wa mukashi, kouen deshita ka?Was this a park a long time ago?
- 美咲 Misakiいいえ、ここは学校でした。iie, koko wa gakkou deshita.No, this was a school.
- 健太 Kenta美咲さんも学生でしたか？misaki san mo gakusei deshita ka?Were you a student too, Misaki?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、ここで勉強していました。hai, koko de benkyou shite imashita.Yes, I was studying here.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
