Learning how to express that something is something else is an important aspect of any language, including Japanese. Whether you want to describe an object, a person, or simply express your opinions, knowing how to say something is something in both formal and informal contexts will greatly expand your conversational skills. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various ways to convey this meaning in Japanese, providing tips, examples, and even regional variations where applicable.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Something is Something
Formal speech is commonly used in professional settings, formal occasions, or when speaking with individuals of higher social status. Here are some expressions you can use to convey that something is something in a polite and respectful manner:
1. です (Desu)
The most straightforward and commonly used method to say something is something in formal Japanese is by using the copula “です” (desu). This is typically added at the end of a noun or an adjective to make a statement. Let’s see an example:
Example:
これは新しい車です。
(Kore wa atarashii kuruma desu.)
This is a new car.
2. であります (Dearimasu)
Adding “であります” (dearimasu) to a noun or an adjective is a more formal way to say something is something in Japanese. This usage is often preferred in written documents or formal speeches:
Example:
彼女は美しいであります。
(Kanojo wa utsukushii dearimasu.)
She is beautiful.
3. でございます (De gozaimasu)
This expression is a highly polite and respectful way to say something is something. “でございます” (de gozaimasu) is often used to show great respect towards someone you specifically address, such as a customer or an elderly person:
Example:
このホテルはとてもきれいでございます。
(Kono hoteru wa totemo kirei de gozaimasu.)
This hotel is very beautiful.
Informal Ways to Say Something is Something
Informal speech is the language used in casual conversations, with friends, family members, or in relaxed situations. While it is essential to adapt to your audience, knowing informal expressions will help in more casual interactions:
1. だ (Da)
In informal speech, you can replace the copula “です” (desu) with “だ” (da). This is used in situations among friends or when speaking casually:
Example:
これは新しい車だ。
(Kore wa atarashii kuruma da.)
This is a new car.
2. である (Dearu)
A slightly more formal version of “だ” (da) is “である” (dearu). Although it is still considered informal, it is used in writing or when expressing your thoughts in a more articulate manner:
Example:
私は大学生である。
(Watashi wa daigakusei dearu.)
I am a university student.
Tips and Additional Examples
Here are some helpful tips and additional examples to enhance your understanding of expressing something is something in Japanese:
1. Adjective Patterns
When using adjectives to describe something, you can directly attach them to a noun to express that something is something:
Example:
美味しい食べ物
(Oishii tabemono)
Delicious food
Here, “美味しい” (oishii) meaning delicious, is attached to “食べ物” (tabemono) meaning food, illustrating that the food is delicious.
2. Use of って (Tte)
In informal speech, you can replace the particle “は” (wa) with “って” (tte) to express something is something. This usage is quite common among younger people:
Example:
これって何？
(Kore tte nani?)
What is this?
3. Changing Verbs to Adjectives
Keep in mind that Japanese has verbs that can be transformed into adjectives by changing the verb ending:
Example:
買う (Kau) – to buy
買える (Kaeru) – able to buyUsing this pattern, you can create sentences like:
お金があれば、車を買える。
(Okane ga areba, kuruma o kaeru.)
If I have money, I can buy a car.
Remember, practice is key to becoming proficient in any language. Attempt to use these expressions in real-life situations, and gradually build your confidence and fluency.
