Some one very recently mentioned the Japanese phrase "shitzurei
shimasu" (pardon). I have been taking a local Japanese language for
beginners course and this brings up my great dilemma. Is the last
letter 'u' not pronounced? My sensei says 'shimas', leaving off the
'u', and yet it is written. Also with a phrase like "desu ka?", she
says 'des ka'. Is it like French where you just drop the end of a
word? A silent 'u'? Please clarify (Musashi?), Thank you.

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