How to Say ‘Very polite form of 'to be' / adds politeness’ in Japanese
ございます
gozai masu
[goh-zah-ee mahss]
💬 Usage Tip: In set phrases like [ありがとうございます], [ございます] adds extra politeness. You'll hear the same upgrade in [おはようございます] compared with casual [おはよう].
Phrase Breakdown
ござい
gozai
[goh-zah-ee]
to be; to exist (polite part)
A very polite element used in formal set phrases like ありがとうございます.
本日は空きがございません。
We have no availability today.
ます
masu
[mahss]
polite ending
A polite ending attached in formal expressions and verbs.
お席の希望はございますか。
Do you have a seating preference?
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