In this article, we will study in depth the meaning of 2 verbs or particles that play an important role in the Japanese language. We will talk about the equivalent of the verb "to be" in Japanese, called desu [です] and da [だ].
Table of Contents
What does Desu mean in Japanese?
The word desu [です] is nothing more than a polite version of "da" [だ]. Its common use in the Japanese language generates various discussions regarding its meaning, so let's examine it in depth in this article.
Its use is quite simple, the desu [です] goes at the end of sentences to indicate the idea of "to be" or "is". The da (だ) can also be used to indicate the past of an action or the imperative form of a verb.
These words can come after any word to emphasize, equate, assert, and declare something. It is a simple formality to end the sentence correctly, with no actual effect on the sentence.
It is not mandatory to use these in Japanese conversations and sentences, but their use is fundamental to enrich the conversation and make the sentence more polite. Another alternative to desu or da is dearimasu [であります].
Is Desu really the verb to be in Japanese?
Some claim that desu is the verb to be, but others claim it is not a verb. In reality, desu [です] cannot be a verb, since it is generally used together with a verb.
Explaining in a more technical way, the desu [です] is actually a Japanese copula (link), used to grammatically relate a subject to a predicate. Even though it is translated as is or to be, desu cannot be called a verb.
The form da [だ] is an informal way of using desu [です] that tends to be as natural and common in most informal conversations as a simple particle. Both da and desu are also referred to as verbal auxiliaries.
Simplifying the meaning of Desu
The da and desu are one of the first things we learn when studying Japanese. Some people get quite confused with the meaning and usage of this particle which should be very simple.
To make it easier we can simply compare the desu [です] with a sign of = (equal). Where its main function is to say that A is equal to B.
In Japanese there are 3 ways to end a sentence or sentence:
- With the copulas だ/です;
- Verbs;
- Adjectives ending in い;
Sometimes it is used with a complementary or emphasis particle. Some use [です] at unnecessary times such as with [い] adjectives, just to make the sentence more formal. Don't start using [です] randomly just because you think it sounds nice.
| 私はケビンです | I'm kevin | watashi wa kebin desu |
| 可愛いですね | It is not fluffy? | kawaii desu ne? |
| 何時ですか | How many hours? | nanji desuka? |
Variations and words composed with desu
Desu can have different variations depending on usage, dialect and context. It can also be used in conjunction with a particle or another word to have a different meaning.
To conclude this article, we will share a list of words that are composed with the term desu and a simple and quick translation for its function.
| Hiragana | Meaning |
| でございます | a very formal desu. |
| でござる | the ancient samurai used it. |
| でした | a desu that refers to the past. |
| であります | polished form of desu. |
| ですから | therefore, then. |
| ですか | indicates question. |
| ですら / でさえ | yet, but nevertheless. |
| ですが だが | but, however, even so, still, for all that. |
| のです | courtesy, the fact is that, expectation. |
| ですね | isn't it? |
| そうですね | Is not it? |
There are other expressions involving です that are often used with other particles like ですよ to increase the emphasis. Some of them incorrectly, usually end all sentences with です, ですも or ですです to convey a kawaii and childish idea.
- What does Suki Desu mean? (好きです)
- Kanpai -What is the real meaning of kampai?
- What is the difference between Sumimasen and Gomennasai?
Sample sentences with desu [です] and da [だ]
What did you think of this article about desu? Did you already know these things? I hope you liked it and share our article with friends and comment below. To finish, let's leave some example sentences about Desu and Da.
１０年は待つには長い時間だ。
ichi zero nen wa matsu ni wa nagai zikan da;
Ten years is a long time to wait.
潔白であることは美しいことだ。
keppaku de aru koto wa utsukushii koto da;
Being innocent is beautiful.
またいつか風のように走るんだ。
mata itsuka fuu no you ni hashiru n da;
One day I will run like the wind.
愛のない人生など全く無意味だ。
ai no nai zinsei nado mattaku muimi da;
Life without love has no meaning.
僕は彼女無しに生きる術を学んだ。
boku wa kanojo nashi ni ikiru jutsu wo mananda;
I learned to live without her.
病院にいるよ。雷に打たれたんだ。
byouin ni iru yo. kaminari ni utareta n da;
I am in the hospital. I was struck by lightning.
税金を払ったら実生活の始まりだ。
zeikin wo harattara zisseikatsu no hazimari da;
Paying taxes is the beginning of real life.
痩せる必要がないというのは残念だ。
yaseru hitsuyou ga nai toiu no wa zannen da;
It's a pity that you don't need to lose weight.
お金を稼ぎたいならアメリカが一番だ。
okane wo kasegitai nara Amerika ga ichiban da;
If you want to make money, America is the best.
私のパソコンは何かの役に立つはずだ。
watashi no pasokon wa nani ka no yakunitatsu hazu da;
My PC should do something useful.
一緒に旅行してくれる人がいないんだ。
issho ni ryokoushite kureru hito ga inai n da;
No one is traveling with me.
うるさくて眠れないんです。
urusakute nemurenai n desu;
I can't sleep with this noise.
マリアさんの髪は長いです。
Maria san no kami wa nagai desu;
Maria has long hair.
冬は私の一番好きな季節です。
fuyu wa watashi no ichiban sukina kisetsu desu;
Winter is my favorite season.
彼女達は真面目な子たちです。
kanojotachi wa mazimena kotachi desu;
They are serious children.
残念ながらそれは本当なのです。
zannen nagara sore wa hontou na no desu;
Unfortunately, it is true
イタリアはとても美しい国です。
Itaria wa totemo utsukushii kuni desu;
Italy is a very beautiful country
あなたは私の好みのタイプです。
anata wa watashi no konomi no taipu desu;
You are my favorite type.
奈良は静かで、きれいな町です。
Nara wa shizuka de, kireina machi desu;
Nara is a peaceful and beautiful city.
私の趣味は音楽を聞くことです。
watashi no shumi wa ongaku wo kiku koto desu;
My hobby is listening to music.
明日図書館で勉強するつもりです。
ashita toshokan de benkyou suru tsumori desu;
I will study at the library tomorrow.
パスワードは「Muiriel」です。
pasuwa-do wa "Muiriel" desu;
The is "Muiriel"
彼の誕生日に贈り物をあげたいんです。
kare no tanjoubi ni okurimono wo agetai n desu;
I want to give a gift for his birthday.
あなたが戻って来てくれて嬉しいです。
anata ga modottekite kurete ureshii desu;
I am happy that you returned.
