japanese grammar

The Extended Use of the Verb "Suru"

The verb "suru (to do)" has many extended uses that occur quite often. conjugation of the verb "suru".
To make

(a) Adverb form of I-adjective + suru
To change I-adjective to adverb form, replace the final ~i with ~ku. (e.g. ookii ---> ookiku)

Terebi no oto o ookiku shita. テレビの音を大きくした｡

I turned up the volume of the TV.

(b) Adverb form of Na-adjective + suru
To change Na-adjective to adverb form, replace the final ~na with ~ni. (e.g. kireina ---> kireini)

Heya o kireini suru. 部屋をきれいにする｡

I'm cleaning the room.

To decide

It should be used when you are choosing from several available alternatives. Click here to learn more expressions when ordering at a restaurant.

Koohii ni shimasu. コーヒーにします｡	I'll have coffee.
Kono tokei ni shimasu. この時計にします｡	I'll take this watch.

To price

When accompanied by phrases indicating prices, it means "cost."

Kono kaban wa gosen en shimashita. このかばんは五千円しま した｡

This bag cost 5,000 yen.

To feel, to smell, or to hear

Ii nioi ga suru. いい匂いがする｡	It smells good.
Nami no oto ga suru. 波の音がする｡	I hear the sound of the waves.

Loan word + suru

The loan words are often combined with "suru" to change the word into a verb.

doraibu suru ドライブする	to drive	taipu suru タイプする	to type
kisu suru キスする	to kiss	nokku suru ノックする	to knock

Noun (of Chinese origin) + suru

It is combined with nouns of Chinese origin to make a noun into a verb.

benkyou suru 勉強する	to study	sentaku suru 洗濯する	to do the washing
ryokou suru 旅行する	to travel	shitsumon suru 質問する	to ask questions
denwa suru 電話する	to telephone	yakusoku suru 約束する	to promise
sanpo suru 散歩する	to take a walk	yoyaku suru 予約する	to reserve
shokuji suru 食事する	to have a meal	souji suru 掃除する	to clean
kekkon suru 結婚する	to get married	kaimono suru 買い物する	to shop
setsumei suru 説明する	to explain	junbi suru 準備する	to prepare

The particle "o" can be used as an object particle after a noun. (e.g. "benkyou o suru," "denwa o suru") There is no difference in meaning with or without "o."

Adverb or Onomatopoetic expression + suru

Adverb or onomatopoeic expression can be combined with "suru" to change them into verbs.

yukkuri suru ゆっくりする	to stay long	bonyari suru ぼ んやりする	to be absent minded
niko niko suru ニ コニコする	to smile	waku waku suru ワクワクする	to be excited