Using the Basic Sentence Pattern 〜は〜です

What is this? – これはなんですか？ (Kore wa nan desu ka?)

When you’re traveling in Japan, you might see something interesting.
If you don’t know what it is, try asking:

これは　なんですか。 ( Kore wa nan desu ka?)
What is this?

“Ka” at the end makes it a question.

In Japanese, we use the pattern 「～は～です(~ wa ~ desu)」 to name things.
“A is B”

It’s one of the most important grammar patterns for beginners.

For example:
これは　はし　です。(Kore wa hashi desu.)
This is chopsticks.

This simple sentence is very useful. It’s a great way to start learning Japanese grammar.
Try using it when you’re curious about something.

Sentence Pattern – 「〜は〜です」

これは　はし　です。(Kore wa hashi desu.)
This is chopsticks.

We use this sentence pattern to name objects. Just like saying “This is a spoon” or “This is a fork.”

Examples:
これは　はし　です。(Kore wa hashi desu.)
This is chopsticks.

これは　スプーン　です。(Kore wa supūn desu.)
This is a spoon.

これは　フォーク　です。(Kore wa fōku desu.)
This is a fork.

→ 「これは」 means “this (thing)”.
→ 「〜です」 is a polite way to end a sentence.

Let’s use it in a real situation – Short conversation

Use 「これは　なんですか」 when you want to ask someone about something you don’t understand.

A: これは　なんですか。(Kore wa nan desu ka?)
What is this?

B: はし　です。(Hashi desu.)
It’s chopsticks.

In Japanese, people often don’t repeat the same words. That’s why B doesn’t say 「これは」 again.
It’s common to leave it out when it’s clear from the context.

Let’s practice more

①　A: これは　なんですか。(Kore wa nan desu ka?)
　　　What is this?
　　B: ちゃわん　です。 (Chawan desu.)
　　　It’s a rice bowl.

②　A: これは　なんですか。(Kore wa nan desu ka?)
　　　What is this?
　　B: まっちゃケーキ　です。(Matcha kēki desu.)
　　　It’s a matcha cake.

③　A: これは　なんですか。(Kore wa nan desu ka?)
　　　What is this?
　　B: うちわ　です。(Uchiwa desu.)
　　　It’s a paper fan.　

Japanese of the Day / 今日の日本語

Word：うちわ (uchiwa) – Japanese fan
Meaning：A traditional Japanese flat fan, often made of paper or fabric attached to a bamboo frame, used to keep cool in summer.
Example：夏祭りでうちわをもらいました。(Natsu matsuri de uchiwa o moraimashita.)
　　　　　(I got a Japanese fan at the summer festival.)
Fun Fact：Japanese fans like うちわ are not only practical but also often decorated with beautiful designs.
　　　　　They are also used in festivals, ceremonies, and even for cheering at events like concerts or sports games.

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Would you like to learn about proper chopstick manners?
In Japan, there are rules on how to use chopsticks politely.
We introduce this in another article, so please check it out here:
→ How to use chopsticks