Aγ― B γ§γ
A wa B desu
A is B.
πΈ Basic Noun Sentence / Self-Introduction Pattern πΈ
π¬ Dialogue
Hajimemashite. Watashi wa Arekkusu desu.
Nice to meet you. I am Alex.
Hajimemashite. Watashi wa Yuki desu.
Nice to meet you. I am Yuki.
Watashi wa Amerika-jin desu.
I am American.
Watashi wa Nihon-jin desu.
I am Japanese.
Watashi wa gakusei desu.
I am a student.
Watashi wa sensei desu.
I am a teacher.
π Vocabulary
5 wordsβ Key Sentence
A wa B desu.
A is B.
- Pattern: [A] γ― [B] γ§γγ
- Meaning: A is B.
Watashi wa gakusei desu.
I am a student.
Watashi wa Amerika-jin desu.
I am American.
π Explanation
In Japanese, the basic sentence structure to state a fact or identity is "A γ― B γ§γ".
The particle γ― marks the topic of the sentence. Although written as 'ha', it is pronounced as "wa" when used as a particle.
γ§γ is a polite ending that functions like the verb 'to be' (am/is/are) in English.
This structure is essential for introducing yourself, stating your profession, or your nationality.
Watashi wa Arekkusu desu.
= 'I am Alex.'
Watashi wa gakusei desu.
= 'I am a student.'
π Quiz
Which of the following means 'I am a student.'?