Grammar Notes 2

1:

Let’s explore the basics of forming simple sentences in Japanese using the structure /Xです/. This structure is fundamental for identifying or describing someone or something with a noun. The word です, which appears at the end of the sentence, is called a copula. It links the subject to the noun that identifies it, allowing the speaker to make a statement about the subject. For example, たなかです indicates that the subject is “Tanaka.” Depending on the context, this can be understood in English as “I am Tanaka” or “(Someone) is Tanaka.” It is important to note that です does not correspond directly to the English verbs be, am, is, or are. Rather than translating it word-for-word, think of です as a marker used to present or identify a person or thing in a polite and complete statement. By mastering the /Xです/ structure, you can begin to form simple yet complete sentences in Japanese that convey essential information about people, objects, or ideas.

	Noun	です
	たなか	です。	I am Tanaka. (Or, Someone is Tanaka.)

2:

A statement can be made into a question by adding the sentence particle か with a rising intonation () at the end. If you are referring to someone's name, make sure to put a title (さん, せんせい, etc.). The question sounds very rude without the title. However, do not put さん after your own name when you are referring to yourself.

	Noun	ですか
	たなかせんせい	ですか。	Are you Prof. Tanaka?
	けいこさん	ですか。	Are you Keiko?

3:

To reply affirmatively, use ええ or はい. Both はい and ええ are a polite yes.

	A:	せんせいですか。	Are you a teacher? Is he/she a teacher?
	B:	ええ (or はい)、けいこです。	Yes, I'm Keiko.

To reply negatively to a Yes-No question, いいえ (Polite no) can be used.

	A:	せんせいですか。	Are you a teacher? Is he/she a teacher?
	B:	いいえ。	No.