The meaning of Desu and DA (です/だ) in Japanese

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].

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 creates various discussions regarding its meaning, so we will examine it in depth in this article.

Its use is quite simple, desu [です] goes at the end of sentences to indicate the idea of “to be” or “is“. On the other hand, 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, affirm, and declare something. It is a simple formality to correctly end the sentence, without any real effect on the sentence.

The use of these terms in Japanese conversations and sentences is not mandatory; however, their use is fundamental to enrich the conversation and make the sentence more polished. 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, as it is generally used together with a verb.

Explaining in a more technical way, 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 is often as natural and common in most informal conversations as if it were 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 get quite confused with the meaning and use of a particle that should be quite simple.

To make it easier, we can simply compare desu [です] to an = (equals) sign. Where its main function is to say that A is equal to B.

In Japanese, there are 3 ways to end a 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 moments, such as with adjectives [い], just to make the sentence more formal. Do not start using [です] randomly just because you think it sounds nice.

私はケビンです	I am Kevin	watashi wa kebin desu
可愛いですね	Isn’t it cute?	kawaii desu ne?
何時ですか	What time is it?	nanji desuka?

Variations and compound words with desu

Desu can have different variations depending on use, dialect, and context. It can also be used together with a particle or another word to present 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	used by ancient samurais.
でした	a desu that refers to the past.
であります	polite form of desu.
ですから	therefore, then.
ですか	indicates a question.
ですら / でさえ	still, but, however.
ですが だが	but, however, still, yet, for all that.
のです	touch of courtesy, it is that, the fact is that, expectation.
ですね	isn’t it?
そうですね	isn’t it?

There are other expressions involving です that are often used with other particles like ですよ to increase emphasis. Some incorrectly tend to 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 true meaning of kampai?
• What is the difference between Sumimasen and Gomennasai?

Example sentences with desu [です] and da [だ]

What did you think of this article about desu? Did you know these things? I hope you enjoyed 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;

A life without love is completely meaningless

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 is 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 kids

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 quiet 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 plan to study at the library tomorrow

パスワードは「Muiriel」です。
pasuwa-do wa "Muiriel" desu;

The password 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 came back