Processing keyword: い-Adjective く します (i-Adjective ku shimasu)

Japanese Grammar Point: い-Adjective く します (i-Adjective ku shimasu)

い-Adjective く します (i-Adjective ku shimasu)

1. Introduction

The Japanese language has two primary categories of adjectives: い-adjectives and な-adjectives. This lesson focuses on an important construction using い-adjectives combined with the verb します (shimasu), which is commonly used to express changes in state or manner.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

The structure い-adjective + くします is used to indicate a change or transformation into a state described by the adjective. While an い-adjective by itself can describe a quality, adding くします conveys that something is "becoming" that quality.

Meaning and Structure

• い-adjective: A type of Japanese adjective that ends with the syllable い (i).
• くします: The verb します (shimasu) means "to do," and when combined with the い-adjective, it conveys the idea of "to make something [adjective]."

Formation Diagram

Visual Aids

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Other Structures

• Using い-adjectives directly: い-adjectives can also be used to describe a noun without changing its state. Example: これは高い車です (Kore wa takai kuruma desu) - "This is a high (expensive) car."
• Using "なる" (naru): The verb なる (naru) means "to become." Unlike くします, which implies a deliberate action, なる is often used for natural changes. Example: 冬になります (Fuyu ni narimasu) - "It becomes winter."

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal:

   • 日本の景色は美しくなります。(Nihon no keshiki wa utsukushiku narimasu.)
   • "The scenery in Japan becomes beautiful."

2. Informal:

   • あなたももっと早くしますよ！(Anata mo motto hayaku shimasu yo!)
   • "You will get faster too!"

3. Written:

   • このプロジェクトを成功させるために、高くします。(Kono purojekuto o seikou saseru tame ni, takaku shimasu.)
   • "I will make it high (significant) to ensure the success of this project."

4. Spoken:

   • もう少し美しくしますね。(Mou sukoshi utsukushiku shimasu ne.)
   • "I will make it a bit more beautiful."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

Using くします can reflect a level of politeness and intention, often seen in professional settings where an individual expresses their desire or plan to improve something. It shows preparedness to take action.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 引き締めます (hiki shime masu) - "to make [something] tighter" (from 引き締める, to tighten).
• 知識を深めます (chishiki o fukame masu) - "to deepen one's knowledge."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Incorrect Verb Form: Some learners might confuse くします with other forms of changing adjectives like なる. Remember, くします is for deliberate actions of change.
• Using な-adjectives: This structure only applies to い-adjectives. Avoid using it with な-adjectives which require な (na) before nouns or in a similar transformation.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic: Think of く (ku) as "change into."
• Practice with pairs of adjectives: Take an い-adjective and use くします to describe how you would change something.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• い-adjective + くします indicates making a change into the state described by the adjective.
• It shows intention and action, often used in formal or serious contexts.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does the structure い-adjective + くします indicate?
2. How does using くします differ from using なる?
3. Can you give an example sentence using an い-adjective and くします? Answer these questions to ensure you’ve understood the material covered!