N1 is N2

The pattern 「N1はN2です」 is used to state identification or categorization: "N1 is N2."

• は (wa): topic particle, marks what the sentence is about.

• です (desu): copula, often translated as “to be,” used in polite speech.

👉 The sentence links a topic (N1) with its identity or classification (N2).

Base form vs. Polite form

• Polite form: 「N1はN2です」

  • Example: 私は学生です。

  • I am a student.

• Plain form: 「N1はN2だ」

  • Example: 私は学生だ。

  • I am a student. (casual, used among friends or in informal situations)

Examples

1. これは本です。
   → This is a book.

2. あの人は先生です。
   → That person is a teacher.

3. 東京は日本の首都です。
   → Tokyo is the capital of Japan.

Key points

• です is not a verb in the strict sense but a copula that adds politeness.

• The grammatical subject is often omitted; instead, the topic is introduced with は.

• Depending on context, it may not always translate exactly as “to be” in English.

Related / Opposite structures

• Negative: N1はN2ではありません → N1 is not N2.

  • Example: 私は学生ではありません。

  • I am not a student.

• Question: N1はN2ですか → Is N1 N2?

  • Example: あの人は先生ですか。

  • Is that person a teacher?