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

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

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

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

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

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」.


