2.2 Affirmative and Negative DESU
Completion requirements
2.2 Affirmative and Negative DESU
DESU
As we learned in Unit 1, "DESU" means am/is/are.
Click on the "+" symbol to open the row.
My name IS Sachiko.
Kanako-san IS a student.
I AM fifteen years old.
JA NAI DESU
or
JA ARIMASEN
or
JA ARIMASEN
To change "DESU" into the negative there are two ways to do it depending on the context: JA NAI DESU and JA ARIMASEN.
JA NAI DESU is considered the "plain form." This means that it is casual.
JA ARIMASEN is considered the "polite form."
Remember how important politeness is in Japanese society! You wouldn't use "JA NAI DESU" if you were talking to your teacher or your principal.
JA NAI DESU is considered the "plain form." This means that it is casual.
JA ARIMASEN is considered the "polite form."
Remember how important politeness is in Japanese society! You wouldn't use "JA NAI DESU" if you were talking to your teacher or your principal.
Can you change these sentences into the negative? Click on the "+" sign to see if you did it correctly!
Watashi no namae wa Sachiko ja nai desu.
Watashi no namae wa Sachiko ja arimasen.
My name is not Sachiko.
Watashi no namae wa Sachiko ja arimasen.
My name is not Sachiko.
Kanako wa seito ja nai desu.
Kanako wa seito ja arimasen.
Kanako is not a student.
Kanako wa seito ja arimasen.
Kanako is not a student.
Watashi wa juu go sai ja nai desu.
Watashi wa juu go sai ja arimasen.
I am not fifteen years old.
Watashi wa juu go sai ja arimasen.
I am not fifteen years old.