ございます

• Reading: ございます
• Romaji: gozaimasu
• Pronunciation: /ɡo.za.i.ma.sɯ/

Meaning

To be; to exist. The most polite form of あります, used in formal and business contexts.

The honorific form of ある (to exist/be). Used in polite speech, customer service, and formal settings. Most famously appears in ありがとうございます (thank you very much) and おはようございます (good morning). Essential for keigo (polite language) at N4 level. Always written in hiragana in modern usage.

Examples

1. お手洗いは二階にございます。 The restroom is on the second floor.
2. 何かご質問はございますか。 Do you have any questions?
3. お荷物はこちらにございます。 Your luggage is right here.

Usage Guide

Context: business, customer service, polite speech

Tone: polite

Origin & History

Derives from the classical verb ござる, the honorific form of ある (to be). The ます ending was added as polite language developed. Originally written 御座います with kanji, but modern usage strongly favours hiragana.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal