[Learn Japanese] Lesson 2-"This is Ramen"

1. Today’s lesson

Japanese Basics: How to Use ‘wa’ and ‘desu’ for Simple Sentences

2. Lesson Goal

Goal: Learn how to build the simplest Japanese sentence using wa (は) and desu (です).

3. What It Means

In Japanese, “is/am/are” is expressed with desu (です).
The particle wa (は) marks the subject of the sentence.
Together, you can create sentences like:
A wa B desu → A is B.

4. Structure Formula

[Subject] + wa (は) + [Object/Noun] + desu (です)

• wa = topic particle (a type of “joshi” 助詞)

• desu = polite ending (copula)

Tip: Master the particles (joshi) to master Japanese.

5. Example Sentences

1. これはラーメンです。
   Kore wa ramen desu.
   This is ramen.

   • Kore (これ) = this

   • wa (は) = topic particle

   • desu (です) = is/am/are (polite)

2. わたしはニックです。
   Watashi wa Nick desu.
   I am Nick.

   • Watashi (わたし) = I

   • wa (は) = topic particle

   • desu (です) = is/am/are (polite)

6. Extra Notes

In casual conversation with friends, desu is often dropped:
“Kore wa ramen.” / “Kore wa sushi.”

In Japanese, verbs (like desu) always come at the end of the sentence — unlike in English.

7. Practice Time

Try saying these out loud and please leave your answer in Japanese or romaji in the comment!!

This is coffee.

I am Sarah.

This is sushi.

8. Closing

That’s it for today! In the next lesson, we’ll learn how to turn desu into a question form!!