How to say 'Be' in Japanese | 御座る

word

Meaning

Be

Reading

Kanji

御Honorable, General honorific term 座Sit, Seat

Explanation

The Japanese verb '御座る (ござる)' is a humble or polite form of the verb 'to be'. It is often used in formal or respectful contexts, such as when speaking to someone of higher status or in ceremonial settings. This verb is a more polite version of 'ある (aru)' or 'いる (iru)', which also mean 'to be'. For example: The book is here「本が御座います」(ほんがございます). The teacher is present「先生が御座います」(せんせいがございます). It's important to note that 'ござる' is often conjugated to 'ございます' in modern usage to show even greater politeness.

Part Of Speech

verb

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

497

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting