The verb する (suru), meaning ‘to do,’ stands as one of the most fundamental and flexible elements in Japanese grammar. Unlike regular verbs that follow predictable patterns, suru is irregular, requiring specific memorization. Its true power lies in pairing with nouns to create compound verbs, expanding vocabulary effortlessly—especially with loanwords and Sino-Japanese terms. This guide explores suru’s forms, combinations, practical applications, and common pitfalls, equipping learners with tools for fluid expression.
Understanding the Core Role of Suru in Japanese
Suru serves as a verbalizer, turning nouns into actions. For instance, ‘study’ becomes 勉強する (benkyou suru), and ‘drive’ is 運転する (unten suru). This mechanism allows Japanese to adapt foreign concepts quickly, like メールする (meeru suru) for ‘to email.’
Key characteristics include:
- Irregular nature: Does not follow godan or ichidan rules; stem shifts from ‘su’ to ‘shi’ in most forms.
- Compound versatility: Over 400 nouns pair with it, forming essential verbs for daily life.
- Politeness levels: Easily toggles between plain (casual) and polite (masu-form) speech.
Mastering suru unlocks conversations, from casual chats to formal settings, as it’s ubiquitous in media, work, and routines.
Basic Present and Future Conjugations
In the present/future tense, suru expresses ongoing or upcoming actions. The plain form is straightforward, while polite adds respect.
| Form | Plain | Polite | Negative Plain | Negative Polite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Present/Future | する (suru) | します (shimasu) | しない (shinai) | しません (shimasen) |
Examples:
- 明日、買い物する (Ashita, kaimono suru. ‘I’ll shop tomorrow.’)
- 毎日、日本語を勉強します (Mainichi, nihongo o benkyou shimasu. ‘I study Japanese every day.’)
- 宿題をしない (Shukudai o shinai. ‘I won’t do homework.’)
These forms are foundational for statements about habits or plans.
Past Tense Mastery
Past conjugations indicate completed actions. Again, irregularity shines: ‘su’ becomes ‘shita.’
| Form | Plain | Polite | Negative Plain | Negative Polite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Past | した (shita) | しました (shimashita) | しなかった (shinakatta) | しませんでした (shimasen deshita) |
Practical sentences:
- 昨日、友達に電話した (Kinou, tomodachi ni denwa shita. ‘I called a friend yesterday.’)
- 先週、新しいレストランで予約しました (Senshuu, atarashii resutoran de yoyaku shimashita. ‘I made a reservation last week.’)
- 掃除をしなかった (Souji o shinakatta. ‘I didn’t clean.’)
Use these to narrate experiences reliably.
Te-Form and Connecting Actions
The te-form, して (shite), links actions, requests permission, or describes ongoing states. It’s pivotal for compound sentences.
- 今、料理しています (Ima, ryouri shite imasu. ‘I’m cooking now.’)
- 彼は車を運転しています (Kare wa kuruma o unten shite imasu. ‘He is driving.’)
- 勉強してから寝ます (Benkyou shite kara nemasu. ‘I’ll sleep after studying.’)
This form glues clauses seamlessly, essential for natural flow.
Advanced Forms: Volitional, Conditional, and More
Beyond basics, suru offers nuanced expressions.
| Form | Plain | Polite |
|---|---|---|
| Volitional (Let’s…) | しよう (shiyou) | しましょう (shimashou) |
| Conditional | すれば (sureba) / したら (shitara) | すれば (sureba) / したら (shitara) |
| Potential | できる (dekiru) | できます (dekimasu) |
| Causative | させる (saseru) | させます (sasemasu) |
| Imperative | しろ (shiro) / するな (suruna) | してください (shite kudasai) |
Examples:
- 一緒に勉強しよう (Issho ni benkyou shiyou. ‘Let’s study together.’)
- 勉強すれば上達します (Benkyou sureba jouzu ni narimasu. ‘If you study, you’ll improve.’)
- 日本語ができる (Nihongo ga dekiru. ‘I can speak Japanese.’)
These enable suggestions, hypotheticals, and commands.
Building Suru Verbs: Nouns + Suru Combinations
Suru verbs form by attaching nouns directly. Only suru conjugates; the noun remains fixed.
- 勉強する (benkyou suru) – to study
- 料理する (ryouri suru) – to cook
- 仕事する (shigoto suru) – to work
- 電話する (denwa suru) – to call
- 掃除する (souji suru) – to clean
- 運転する (unten suru) – to drive
Conjugation example with 勉強:
- Plain past: 勉強した (benkyou shita)
- Te-form: 勉強して (benkyou shite)
- Negative: 勉強しない (benkyou shinai)
This pattern scales to countless terms, like スポーツする (supootsu suru) – to do sports.
Particle Usage with Suru Verbs
The particle を (wo/o) marks direct objects, but placement varies.
- 勉強する (benkyou suru) – Studying (general)
- 日本語を勉強する (Nihongo o benkyou suru) – Study Japanese
- 日本語の勉強をする (Nihongo no benkyou o suru) – Do Japanese studying
Both are correct; context dictates preference. Listen in native content to internalize.
Common Mistakes and Pro Tips
Avoid pitfalls:
- Forget irregularity: Don’t apply ru-verb rules.
- Overuse particles: Noun-suru is one unit; を optional before suru.
- Neglect compounds: Practice 50+ common pairs for fluency.
Tips:
- Memorize core table first.
- Practice in sentences daily.
- Watch anime/news for exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes suru irregular?
Suru doesn’t follow godan (u-verbs) or ichidan (ru-verbs) patterns; its stem changes uniquely from ‘su’ to ‘shi’.
How do I form suru verbs with loanwords?
Pair katakana nouns directly: メールする (meeru suru – to email), ゲームする (geemu suru – to game).
Can suru mean ‘to be’ in occupations?
Yes, like 先生をしている (sensei o shite iru) for ‘working as a teacher’ in progressive form.
What’s the difference between する and です?
する implies action; です is copula for states/equating.
How many suru compounds exist?
Over 400, covering daily activities to technical terms.
Practice Exercises for Reinforcement
Test knowledge:
- Conjugate 運転する in polite negative past: 運転しませんでした (unten shimasen deshita).
- Make volitional for 勉強: 勉強しよう (benkyou shiyou).
- Te-form chain: 掃除して、料理する (Souji shite, ryouri suru).
Repeat with 10 nouns for mastery.
References
- Japanese Verb Suru: How to Use する Correctly — Migaku. 2023. https://migaku.com/blog/japanese/japanese-verb-suru
- Conjugation of Japanese verb suru – to do, make する — Japanese Verb Conjugator. 2024. https://www.japaneseverbconjugator.com/Suru.asp
- Conjugations for する [suru] — Tanoshiijapanese. 2023. https://www.tanoshiijapanese.com/dictionary/conjugation_details.cfm?entry_id=14743
- Conjugate verbs in Japanese — Tandem. 2023. https://tandem.net/blog/conjugate-verbs-japanese
- SURU (to do) in 100 Different Verb Conjugations — YouTube (Eric’s Nihongo Lessons). 2022. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xk5iM77QWUA
- する for “To Do” — Tofugu. 2023. https://www.tofugu.com/japanese-grammar/suru/
- Conjugation verb する in Japanese — Reverso Conjugator. 2024. https://conjugator.reverso.net/conjugation-japanese-verb-%E3%81%99%E3%82%8B.html
- Integrated M.A. in Applied Linguistics, University of Hyderabad
- 5+ years in editorial, instructional, SEO, and research-based writing
Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to theskillvault, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living. Her writing and insights reflect the belief that beauty, happiness, and wellness…