Deciding, Transforming, and Doing: にする, くする, and する

In Japanese, verbs and particles often combine to convey nuanced meanings. Three such constructions are にする, くする, and する. Each has its own specific use and can significantly change the meaning of a sentence. Let's explore these structures with examples.

にする (ni suru)

The construction にする is used to indicate making a choice or decision. It can be translated as "to decide on" or "to choose."

にほん りょうり に します。 - I’ll choose Japanese cuisine.

In this sentence, にする shows a decision to have Japanese food.

コーヒー に しますか、それとも おちゃ に しますか。 - Will you have coffee or tea?

Here, the speaker is asking someone to make a choice between coffee and tea.

くする (ku suru)

The construction くする is used to indicate a change in state and is typically attached to adjectives. It can be translated as "to make something (adjective)."

へや を きれい に しました。 - I made the room clean.

In this example, きれい (clean) is an adjective, and にする indicates the action of making the room clean.

しずか に して ください。 - Please make it quiet.

Here, しずか (quiet) is the adjective, and にする is used to request a change in state to quietness.

する (suru)

The verb する is one of the most versatile verbs in Japanese, meaning "to do" or "to make." It can be used on its own or in combination with other words to describe actions or changes.

べんきょう する。 - To study.

Here, する simply means "to do" in the context of studying.

スポーツ を する。 - To play sports.

Again, する means "to do" or "to play" in the context of sports.

でんわ を する。 - To make a phone call.

In this sentence, する means "to make" in the context of making a phone call.

Combining にする, くする, and する

Let's see how these constructions can combine for more complex sentences.

しょくじ を カジュアル に する こと に しました。 - I decided to make the meal casual.

Here, にする is used twice. The first にする indicates changing the state of the meal to casual, and the second にする indicates making a decision.

へや を もっと きれい に する ため に、まいにち そうじ する こと に しました。 - To make the room cleaner, I decided to clean it every day.

In this example, くする (in the form of にする) is used to indicate making the room cleaner, and する is used to describe the action of cleaning.

Understanding にする, くする, and する is crucial for mastering the nuances of the Japanese language. These constructions allow speakers to express decisions, changes in state, and various actions, making them essential tools for effective communication. By practicing with different examples and contexts, learners can enhance their fluency and comprehension in Japanese.