「する」- The Verb "To Do"

Explanation

In Japanese, する is a highly versatile verb meaning "to do." It is pronounced as 「する」 (suru) and is written in hiragana as "する." It can be combined with nouns, adjectives, and other verbs to form various complex sentence structures, making it extremely flexible for expressing actions, states, and intentions.

Grammar Pattern

Grammar Point	Connection	Explanation
する	+ Noun	Indicates performing a specific action or activity.

Basic Usage

The primary use of する is to express actions or behaviors. Here are some common examples:

• 遊あそぶことをする。
• Asobu koto o suru.
• To play.

• 掃除そうじをする。
• Souji o suru.
• To clean.

Examples

• 彼かれは毎日まいにち運動うんどうをする。
• Kare wa mainichi undou o suru.
• He exercises every day.
  

• 明日あした、何なにをするつもりですか？
• Ashita, nani o suru tsumori desu ka?
• What do you plan to do tomorrow?
  

Advanced Usage

Beyond its basic meaning of "to do something," する has various derived forms, including causative, passive, and spontaneous forms.

Causative Form (～させる)

The causative form is used to express "making someone do something." It is formed by changing する to させる.

• 先生せんせいは学生がくせいに勉強べんきょうをさせる。
• Sensei wa gakusei ni benkyou o saseru.
• The teacher makes the students study.
  

Deep Dive

する is not just a verb but can also combine with other words to form compound words, expressing more complex concepts. For example:

• 試験しけんを受うけることをする。
• Shiken o ukeru koto o suru.
• To take an exam.
  

Additionally, する has honorific forms, such as いたす, which convey higher levels of politeness.

Comparisons and Differences

「なる」 vs. 「する」

「なる」 means "to become," while 「する」 means "to do." The two have distinct uses in expressing state changes and actions.

Word	Usage	Example
なる	Expresses state changes	彼かれは医者いしゃになる。
する	Expresses actions	彼かれは勉強べんきょうする。

Real-Life Scenarios

In daily life, する is widely used in various contexts, such as:

• Workplace communication.
• School schedules.
• Daily activity planning.

Summary

する is an essential and multifunctional verb in Japanese. By mastering its basic and advanced uses, you can significantly enhance your ability to express yourself in Japanese.