Beginner mini JLPT bridge: polite reply basics

1. 1

   です

   desu

   The basic polite sentence-ender. Adding です after a noun or adjective makes any statement polite. This is one of the first JLPT N5 grammar points and the foundation of polite Japanese.

   Use when ending any polite statement, introducing yourself, confirming facts

   学生です。

   gakusei desu.

   I'm a student.

2. 2

   〜ます

   -masu

   The polite verb ending. Verbs in ます form are safe for any situation, shops, work, strangers. This is the N5 foundation for all polite speech.

   Use when speaking to anyone you're not close friends with, shops, work, formal situations

   行きます。

   ikimasu.

   I'll go.

3. 3

   か

   ka

   Adding か to the end of a polite sentence turns it into a question. No need to change word order like in English, just add か.

   Use when asking any polite question, confirming information, making requests

   大丈夫ですか。

   daijōbu desu ka.

   Is it okay?

4. 4

   ください

   kudasai

   Means 'please (do something).' Attached to the て-form of a verb or used after a noun with を. Essential N5 grammar for making polite requests.

   Use when making requests, asking for items, asking someone to do something

   待ってください。

   matte kudasai.

   Please wait.

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