ざます

Etymology
There are two leading theories for derivation.


 * From or :  →  →
 * From : → * →

Considering that zamasu is first cited to 1761, while ozansu is not cited until 1778 and zansu in 1787, and considering also the odd sound shift required from zansu to zamasu, the derivation directly from appears more likely. That said, ozansu and zansu are also derivatives of.

Verb

 * 1)   to be
 * 2)   to be
 * 1)   to be
 * 1)   to be
 * 1)   to be
 * 1)   to be
 * 1)   to be

Usage notes
The auxiliary attaches to the of a verb, similar to modern polite ending.

Originally this word was associated with prostitutes or lower class women during the. It later came to be thought of as a polite or refined form to be used by lower class or upper class women.