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When introducing Kyoto, one sentence can describe what kind of place it is. Look at the colors in the picture.

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Lesson notes · ≈ JLPT N5 · Beginner 2

〜は〜です~ wa ~ desu

describing a noun

Use「〜は〜です」with a plain-form modifier before a noun to describe a place or identify a person.

How it works

  1. When introducing Kyoto, one sentence can describe what kind of place it is. Look at the colors in the picture.

    When introducing Kyoto, one sentence can describe what kind of place it is. Look at the colors in the picture.

  2. The orange 「歴史のある」 describes the green 「ところ」. The modifier comes before the noun.

    The orange 「歴史のある」 describes the green 「ところ」. The modifier comes before the noun.

  3. A verb before a noun uses the plain form: 「あります」 becomes 「ある」 and connects directly to the noun.

    A verb before a noun uses the plain form: 「あります」 becomes 「ある」 and connects directly to the noun.

  4. 「京都は+歴史のあるところ+です」. The modifier and noun form one unit.

    「京都は+歴史のあるところ+です」. The modifier and noun form one unit.

  5. In the example, 「の」 in 「歴史のある」 marks the subject. Here, it has the same meaning as 「歴史がある」.

    In the example, 「の」 in 「歴史のある」 marks the subject. Here, it has the same meaning as 「歴史がある」.

  6. The example about the older brother uses 「帽子をかぶっている」 to describe 「人」, helping us identify which person he is.

The example about the older brother uses 「帽子をかぶっている」 to describe 「人」, helping us identify which person he is.

Example sentences

  • 京都きょうとkyoutoはわwa歴史れきしrekishiのnoあるaruところtokoroです。ですdesu

    Kyoto is a place with history.

  • 私わたしwatashiのno兄あにaniはわwa帽子ぼうしboushiをoかぶっkabuてteいるiru人ひとhitoです。ですdesu

    My older brother is the person wearing a hat.

In a conversation

  • A
    おすすめの観光かんこう地ちはわどこですか。か

    A: Where is a recommended sightseeing spot?

  • B
    京都きょうとはわ歴史れきしのあるところです。です

    B: Kyoto is a place with history.

  • A
    そうですか。かどんなところですか。か

    A: I see. What kind of place is it?

  • B
    お寺おてらや神社じんじゃがたくさんあります。あります

    B: There are many temples and shrines.

Check yourself

  1. Level 1 · Recognise

    Which sentence is correct?

  2. Level 1 · Recognise

    Listen and choose the meaning

  3. Level 2 · Build

    Put the words in order

    Kyoto is a place with history.

  4. Level 3 · Use

    What goes in the blank?

    金沢は工芸品の 都市です。

    Kanazawa is a city with traditions of crafts.

More grammar in this theme

  • 〜たことがありますpast experience
  • 知っていますかasking if someone knows
  • 〜という〜named or called something
  • 〜は〜ですdescribing a noun
  • 〜ていますwearing state
  • 〜た〜を/へnoun modifier + particle
  • 〜た〜はnoun modifier as topic
Previous〜という〜Next〜ています

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