Fate Epsylon
ga imasu VS. desu

What is the difference between "ga imasu" & "desu"?

 

 

I've been reading Genki I and came across this, but was a bit confused. Can anyone shed some light on this? Thanks in advance.

May 21, 2015 6:34 AM
Comments · 5
1

Neko ga imasu. -> There is a cat.

Neko desu. -> It is a cat.

 

imasu (living things) and arimasu (objects) -> there is/are

desu -> the appropriate form of the verb 'to be' in English, is/are.

 

The translation sort of helped me choose when I was learning these, I hope it helps you, too! :)

 

 

May 21, 2015
1

ga imasu/arimasu is used when you want to explain where is positioned certain person (imasu) or thing (arimasu). Desu is used during formal speech and you can't use it after verbs in -masu form!

May 21, 2015

Awesome, thanks Rui. Every extra bit helps! =3

May 22, 2015

Np! :)
I'm glad I could help! 

May 21, 2015

omg ty! that clears up a lot of things now.

May 21, 2015