BackGrammar JLPT Level N5 - Lesson 2
Structure of です:
Details about です:
Much like だ, です is a polite auxiliary verb used to make a definitive statement or assertion. It affirms that something 'is' a particular way. です is the polite equivalent of だ. It's important to remember that even though they have similar functions, だ and です are treated as separate grammatical structures.
The way です attaches to words is identical to だ; however, です is also commonly found at the end of い-Adjectives.
- 先生です。I am a teacher.
- 公園です。It is a park.
- 静かです。It is quiet.
- 美味しいです。It is delicious.
Caution
Even though adding です directly to い-Adjectives is common, some purists may argue that this usage is grammatically incorrect. It should be avoided in formal written contexts. In everyday conversation and informal messages, however, it is perfectly acceptable.
- 寒いです。It is cold.
Technically, the sentence above should not appear in formal documents. Nevertheless, this pattern has become increasingly standard in recent years.
Usage Notes for です:
Synonyms for です:
Example of です
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