Let’s explore the basics of constructing simple sentences in Japanese using the structure /Xです/. This structure is fundamental for expressing that something or someone is a particular noun. The word です at the end of the sentence is known as the copula. It connects the subject with the noun that describes it, effectively making a statement about the subject. For example, たなかです tells us that the subject is "Tanaka." In English, this could translate to "I am Tanaka" or "(Someone) is Tanaka," depending on the context. The copula です doesn't directly correspond to the English "be/am/is/are" verbs, so it's important not to force a one-to-one translation. Instead, think of です as a way to present or identify something or someone. In summary, by mastering the /Xです/ structure, you can start forming 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.)

A statement can be made into a question by adding the sentence particle か with a rising intonation () at the end. It is important to put a title (さん, せんせい, etc.) to refer to other people's name. 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?

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.