Learning Japanese can be an exciting and rewarding journey. One of the interesting aspects of Japanese grammar is the use of the verb “suru” (する), which means “to do” or “to make.” This verb is incredibly versatile and is often used in combination with nouns to create verbs. Understanding how to use “suru” with nouns is essential for expanding your vocabulary and improving your fluency in Japanese. In this article, we will delve into the various ways “suru” can be used with nouns, providing you with a comprehensive guide to mastering this aspect of Japanese grammar.
The Basics of Suru
“Suru” is one of the most commonly used verbs in the Japanese language. It is an irregular verb, which means it does not follow the typical conjugation patterns of other Japanese verbs. However, its irregularity is relatively straightforward compared to other irregular verbs in different languages.
In its simplest form, “suru” means “to do” or “to make.” For example:
– する (suru) – to do
– します (shimasu) – polite form of “to do”
– した (shita) – past tense of “to do”
– しない (shinai) – negative form of “to do”
Using Suru with Nouns
One of the unique features of “suru” is its ability to transform nouns into verbs. This is particularly useful because it allows you to create verbs from a wide range of nouns, thereby significantly expanding your vocabulary. Here’s how it works:
1. **Noun + Suru**: The most straightforward way to use “suru” with a noun is to simply place the noun before “suru.” For example:
– 勉強 (benkyou) – study
– 勉強する (benkyou suru) – to study
2. **Noun + を + Suru**: In some cases, especially when the noun is an object, you can insert the particle “を” (wo) between the noun and “suru.” For example:
– 食事 (shokuji) – meal
– 食事をする (shokuji o suru) – to have a meal
Common Noun + Suru Combinations
To help you get started, here are some common noun + “suru” combinations that you are likely to encounter in everyday Japanese:
– **仕事 (shigoto) + する (suru)**:
– 仕事 (shigoto) means “work” or “job.”
– 仕事する (shigoto suru) means “to work.”
– **運動 (undou) + する (suru)**:
– 運動 (undou) means “exercise.”
– 運動する (undou suru) means “to exercise.”
– **旅行 (ryokou) + する (suru)**:
– 旅行 (ryokou) means “travel.”
– 旅行する (ryokou suru) means “to travel.”
– **勉強 (benkyou) + する (suru)**:
– 勉強 (benkyou) means “study.”
– 勉強する (benkyou suru) means “to study.”
– **掃除 (souji) + する (suru)**:
– 掃除 (souji) means “cleaning.”
– 掃除する (souji suru) means “to clean.”
Using Suru with Loanwords
Japanese has borrowed many words from other languages, particularly English. These borrowed words are known as “gairaigo” (外来語). Interestingly, “suru” can also be used with these loanwords to create verbs.
For example:
– **メール (meeru) + する (suru)**:
– メール (meeru) comes from the English word “mail.”
– メールする (meeru suru) means “to send an email.”
– **コピー (kopii) + する (suru)**:
– コピー (kopii) comes from the English word “copy.”
– コピーする (kopii suru) means “to make a copy.”
– **ダウンロード (daunroodo) + する (suru)**:
– ダウンロード (daunroodo) comes from the English word “download.”
– ダウンロードする (daunroodo suru) means “to download.”
Using Suru with Abstract Nouns
“Suru” can also be used with abstract nouns to express actions or processes related to those nouns. This is particularly useful for discussing concepts, emotions, or states of being.
For example:
– **愛 (ai) + する (suru)**:
– 愛 (ai) means “love.”
– 愛する (ai suru) means “to love.”
– **感謝 (kansha) + する (suru)**:
– 感謝 (kansha) means “gratitude.”
– 感謝する (kansha suru) means “to be grateful.”
– **決定 (kettei) + する (suru)**:
– 決定 (kettei) means “decision.”
– 決定する (kettei suru) means “to decide.”
Conjugating Suru in Different Tenses
As with any verb in Japanese, “suru” can be conjugated into various tenses to express different times and aspects. Here are some examples of how “suru” can be conjugated:
1. **Present Tense**:
– 勉強する (benkyou suru) – to study
– 勉強します (benkyou shimasu) – (polite form) to study
2. **Past Tense**:
– 勉強した (benkyou shita) – studied
– 勉強しました (benkyou shimashita) – (polite form) studied
3. **Negative Form**:
– 勉強しない (benkyou shinai) – not study
– 勉強しません (benkyou shimasen) – (polite form) not study
4. **Past Negative Form**:
– 勉強しなかった (benkyou shinakatta) – did not study
– 勉強しませんでした (benkyou shimasen deshita) – (polite form) did not study
5. **Te-Form**:
– 勉強して (benkyou shite) – studying/please study
Special Cases and Exceptions
While “suru” is generally straightforward to use, there are a few special cases and exceptions to be aware of:
1. **Irregular Forms**:
Some nouns, when combined with “suru,” result in irregular forms. For example:
– **勉強 (benkyou) + する (suru)**:
– The te-form is 勉強して (benkyou shite).
– **電話 (denwa) + する (suru)**:
– The te-form is 電話して (denwa shite).
2. **Compound Verbs**:
In some cases, “suru” is used in compound verbs where it is combined with other verbs or verb forms. For example:
– **見る (miru) + する (suru)**:
– 見する (misuru) is not commonly used, but the concept exists in compound forms.
3. **Honorific and Humble Forms**:
In Japanese, honorific and humble language is used to show respect. “Suru” has specific forms for these levels of politeness:
– **Honorific Form**: なさる (nasaru)
– **Humble Form**: いたす (itasu)
For example:
– **勉強する (benkyou suru)**:
– Honorific: 勉強なさる (benkyou nasaru)
– Humble: 勉強いたす (benkyou itasu)
Practical Tips for Using Suru with Nouns
To effectively use “suru” with nouns in your Japanese studies, consider the following practical tips:
1. **Build Your Vocabulary**:
Start by learning common nouns that are frequently used with “suru.” Create flashcards or use language apps to practice these combinations.
2. **Practice Conjugation**:
Regularly practice conjugating “suru” in different tenses and forms. This will help you become more comfortable with its use in various contexts.
3. **Listen and Imitate**:
Listen to native Japanese speakers and pay attention to how they use “suru” with nouns. Imitate their usage to improve your own fluency.
4. **Use in Sentences**:
Practice using noun + “suru” combinations in full sentences. This will help you understand how they fit into the broader context of Japanese grammar.
5. **Engage in Conversations**:
Engage in conversations with native speakers or language partners. Try to incorporate noun + “suru” combinations naturally into your dialogue.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “suru” with nouns is a crucial step in your Japanese language learning journey. This versatile verb allows you to expand your vocabulary and express a wide range of actions and concepts. By understanding the basic patterns, practicing conjugation, and actively using “suru” in sentences, you can enhance your fluency and confidence in Japanese. Remember to build your vocabulary, listen to native speakers, and engage in conversations to reinforce your learning. With dedication and practice, you’ll find that using “suru” with nouns becomes second nature, opening up new possibilities for communication in Japanese.
