In Japanese to say that something is something – you use “Noun + Desu”.

First, you give the noun – and then you give its state of being.

For example,  if you wanted to say ” It is a clock.” –  you would say – “tokei desu”  (時計です）

Lit. translated – “Clock is” or “Tokei desu” as Japanese sentence order is backwards from English.

So how would you say – “It is NOT a clock” in Japanese?

For nouns, you use “Ja Arimasen” – which literally means (Does not have the condition of being).

So to say “It is not a clock.” You would say “Tokei ja arimasen” (時計じゃありません)

Now why don’t you try it?

What about Food – or “Tabemono”  食べ物

That’s right  – “tabemono desu” is – it is food.

And tabemono ja arimasen – it is not food.

Try it with other nouns and you will be able to easily remember and use this pattern to confirm or deny state of being in Japanese.

Now you know how to say that something is – or that something is not in Japanese.

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Coto Academy Teachers

Coto Academy's teaching team is built on three departments: teaching faculty, quality assurance, and learning development, working together to deliver a consistent, high-quality learning experience. Many instructors have lived abroad or bring professional experience from outside the classroom, offering hands-on instruction for students at every level, from complete beginners to those preparing for the JLPT.