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.
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.
