ございます

Japanese

Etymology

Formal (〜ます) form of archaic ござる, which is the polite form of ある.

Verb

ございます (rōmaji gozaimasu)

  1. 御座います: polite form of the copula, ある.

Usage notes

Usage in polite speech varies between speakers. Primarily used only to indicate existence or location, as in:

  • 食品売 (しょくひんう)り場 (ば)は地 (ち)下 (か)にございます。
    Shokuhin uriba wa chika ni gozaimasu.
    The food department is in the basement.
  • かばん売 (う)り場 (ば)は１階 (いっかい)でございます。
    Kaban uriba wa ikkai de gozaimasu.
    The bag department is on the 1st floor.

In principle でございます can be used anywhere です is used, but in usage this sounds very formal or stilted.

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