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to be (polite)
Definition
The grammar pattern "でございます (de gozaimasu)" is a very polite form of the verb "desu", used to express a statement or a fact in a formal or polite manner. It is often used in situations where a high level of politeness is required, such as in business, when speaking to someone of higher authority, or when providing service to customers. This pattern is a key component of honorific language in Japanese and is essential for effective communication in formal settings.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun + de gozaimasu | Noun + de gozaimasu | 本日はいい天気でございます。 (Today is very good weather.) |
| Verb + te gozaimasu | Verb + te gozaimasu | 彼女はすでに帰りました。 (She has already gone home.) |
| Adjective + no + de gozaimasu | Adjective + no + de gozaimasu | この本はすばらしい本でございます。 (This book is a wonderful book.) |
Examples
こちらはフロントでございます。
Kochira wa furonto de gozaimasu.
This is the front.
こちらは (This is) + フロント (front) + でございます (polite form of desu)
本日はいい天気でございます。
Honjitsu wa ii tenki de gozaimasu.
Today is very good weather.
本日は (Today) + いい天気 (good weather) + でございます (polite form of desu)
お手洗いはあちらでございます。
Otearai wa achira de gozaimasu.
The restroom is over there.
お手洗い (restroom) + は (is) + あちら (over there) + でございます (polite form of desu)
彼女はすでに帰りました。
Kanojo wa sude ni kaerimashita.
She has already gone home.
彼女は (she) + すでに (already) + 帰りました (went home) + でございます (polite form of desu)
Context
The grammar pattern "でございます (de gozaimasu)" is used in formal or polite situations to express a statement or a fact. It is often used in business, when speaking to someone of higher authority, or when providing service to customers. This pattern is a key component of honorific language in Japanese and is essential for effective communication in formal settings.
Watch out
Using "でございます (de gozaimasu)" in casual conversation can come across as insincere or overly formal.
While both patterns are used in formal situations, they have different meanings and uses.
Using "でございます (de gozaimasu)" after an i-adjective can result in a grammatically incorrect sentence.
Strategy
When using "でございます (de gozaimasu)" in the JLPT exam, make sure to use it in formal or polite situations and avoid using it in casual conversation. Also, be careful not to confuse it with other polite patterns or misplace it after an i-adjective.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N4 test-style questions. Each sentence shows でございます (de gozaimasu) used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
こちらは、フロントでございます。
Pattern used: でございます
Used for formal self-identification (e.g., hotel front desk).
本日はいいお天気でございます。
Pattern used: でございます
A formal way to state 'it is'.
お手洗いはあちらでございます。
Pattern used: でございます
Polite way to indicate location.
Interactive
こちらは、フロント______。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.