JLPT N5Grammar
です/だ
to be (copula)
Beginner
10-15 min
very common
Expert Reviewed
Explanation
です is the polite form and だ is the casual form. Used to state that something IS something.
Formation
[Noun] + です/だ
Examples
私は学生です。
Watashi wa gakusei desu.
I am a student.
これは本だ。
Kore wa hon da.
This is a book.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't use です with い-adjectives in their base form. Say 大きいです not 大きいはです.
Related Grammar
More JLPT N5 Grammar
Study Tips
Practice Tips
Practice switching between です and だ based on social context. Try introducing yourself with both forms.
JLPTBooks Editorial Team
Japanese Language Education Specialists
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