Learn how to modify the desu sentence ender while expanding upon the basic use of the X wa Y desu structure. Now is your chance to review and practice everything covered throughout this course.
LESSON NOTES BELOW
1. VARIATIONS OF DESU
Changing a Statement by Modifying (Desu, です)
It’s now time to practice using additional forms of desu to change the meaning of a statement. Below is a list of example phrases used throughout the video lesson.
see our ultimate guide to desu to learn how to use all forms.
| Romaji | Kana | English |
|---|---|---|
| kore wa kōhī desu | これはコーヒです | this is coffee |
| kore wa kōhī desuka | これはコーヒですか | is this coffee? |
| kore wa kōhī dewa arimasen | これはコーヒーではありません | this is not coffee (formal, written) |
| kore wa kōhī janai desu | これはコーヒーじゃないです | this is not coffee (semi-formal) |
| kore wa kōhī deshita | これはコーヒでした | this was coffee |
| kore wa kōhī deshitaka | これはコーヒーでしたか | was this coffee? |
| kore wa kōhī dewa arimasen deshita | これはコーヒではありませんでした | this was not coffee |
| kore wa kōhī dewa arimasen deshitaka | これはコーヒではありませんでしたか | was this not coffee? |
2. NEW VOCABULARY
Use the vocabulary below to build phrases to talk about the weather in Japanese using the x wa y desu structure. This vocabulary is also used throughout the video.
| Romaji | Kana | English |
|---|---|---|
| ima | いま | now |
| hare | はれ | sunny day |
| kumori | くもり | cloudy day |
| ame | あめ | rainy day, rain |
| asa | あさ | morning |
| hiru | ひる | noon (from 12 – 3) |
| yuugata | ゆうがた | toward evening (3 – 6) |
| yoru | よる | night or evening (6 – sunrise) |
| gozenn | ごぜん | morning (12am – 12pm) |
| gogo | ごご | afternoon (12pm – 12am) |
| demo | でも | but… |
Additional Phrase Examples
Review the bonus phrases demonstrated in the video lesson below.
| Japanese | English | X = Y | Desu Variation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ima wa ame desu | now it is raining. | x = ima (now) y = ame (rain) | desu (positive, present tense) |
| asa wa ame deshitaka | was it raining this morning? | x = asa (morning) y = ame (rain) | deshitaka (positive, past tense, question) |
| 1. asa wa ame deshita 2. demo gogo wa hare desu | 1. this morning it rained, 2. but this afternoon it will be sunny. | 1. x = asa (morning) y = ame (rain) 2. x = gogo (afternoon) y = hare (sunny day) | 1. deshita (positive, past tense) 2. desu (positive, present tense) |
ACTION STEPS – HOW TO PRACTICE
To solidify everything learned throughout this course, here are some ways you can practice.
- Practice modifying the phrase used throughout this course using the variations of desu in the chart above.
- Use the Japanese words above to describe the weather in Japanese using the x wa y desu structure.
- Note down daily triggers to practice using x wa y desu throughout everyday life using the Jappon practice sheet.
- BONUS – See the ultimate guide to desu to learn more.
OTHER LESSONS IN THIS COURSE
ANY QUESTIONS?
If you need further help, please leave your comments or questions on the video lesson on YouTube.
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Download the Jappon study sheet to help you practice Japanese everyday.
