How to Say ‘It is (explaining something)’ in Japanese
なんです
nan desu
[nan desu]
💬 Usage Tip: [なんです] often adds an explaining or softening tone, not just plain "is." Compare [現金だけです] "it's cash only" with [現金だけなんです] "it's that it's cash only / the thing is, it's cash only."
Phrase Breakdown
なん
nan
[nan]
is; the fact is
An explanatory form often used to give a reason or background.
現金だけなんです。
The thing is, it's cash only.
です
desu
[desu]
is; polite copula
A polite form of 'to be' used in formal speech.
現金だけなんです。
The thing is, it's cash only.
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