〜でございます
polite copula
Use this pattern to shape a complete, natural Japanese thought.
Remember it
Connect the meaning to its sound: say “〜でございます” aloud once.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜でございます」 means "polite copula". Structure: Noun + でございます. This is a JLPT N3 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Read the example aloud, then replace one detail with something from your own life.
Tone: Polite
A safe choice for everyday conversations, shops, school, and the workplace.
Use
Hear it in real life
Everyday life
Example 1こちらが本日の修理でございます。
こちら が ほんじつ の しゅうり で ございます。
kochira ga honjitsu no shuuri de gozaimasu.
This is today's repair. (very polite)
At work
Example 2こちらが本日の資料でございます。
こちら が ほんじつ の しりょう で ございます。
kochira ga honjitsu no shiryou de gozaimasu.
This is today's materials. (very polite)
Everyday life
Example 3こちらが本日の機械でございます。
こちら が ほんじつ の きかい で ございます。
kochira ga honjitsu no kikai de gozaimasu.
This is today's machine. (very polite)
Everyday life
Example 4こちらが本日の材料でございます。
こちら が ほんじつ の ざいりょう で ございます。
kochira ga honjitsu no zairyou de gozaimasu.
This is today's ingredients. (very polite)
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 4
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
This is today's repair. (very polite)
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜でございます.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.