Processing keyword: Noun に する (Noun ni suru)

Japanese Grammar Point: Noun に する (Noun ni suru)

Noun に する (Noun ni suru) - Detailed Grammar Explanation

1. Introduction

The Japanese grammar point "Nounにする" (Noun ni suru) translates to "to decide on" or "to make (something) into" in English. It is often used to express a choice or decision regarding a noun, indicating a change or selection.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

"Noun にする" is composed of:

• Noun: This can be any noun that represents an object, decision, or state.
• に: A particle that indicates direction or focus towards which action is directed.
• する: The verb meaning "to do" or "to make." In combination, "Noun にする" expresses the idea of turning something into a specific state or making a choice regarding something.

Structure and Formation

The general structure is:

Noun + にする

Meaning

• To decide on [something]
• To make it [something]

Formation Diagram

 +---------------+
 |    Noun      |
 +---------------+
          |
          v
    +------------+
    |     に     |  (particle indicating direction)
    +------------+
          |
          v
    +------------+
    |    する    |  (to do/make)
    +------------+

3. Comparative Analysis

"Noun にする" is often compared with similar structures such as:

• Nounにする vs Nounになる:
  • にする denotes an active choice or intention, while になる (Noun ni naru) implies a passive change happening to the subject (to become).
  • Example:
    • 〔ビジネスにする (bijinesu ni suru)〕: "to decide on a business"
    • 〔ビジネスになる (bijinesu ni naru)〕: "to become a business"

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal Context

   • 日本にすることに決めました。
     • (Nihon ni suru koto ni kimemashita.)
     • "I have decided on Japan."

2. Informal Context

   • バスにするよ。
     • (Basu ni suru yo.)
     • "I’ll take the bus."

3. Written Context

   • 彼の名前は「山田」にすることにしました。
     • (Kare no namae wa "Yamada" ni suru koto ni shimashita.)
     • "I have decided to make his name 'Yamada.'"

4. Spoken Context

   • 晩ごはんは寿司にしよう！
     • (Ban gohan wa sushi ni shiyou!)
     • "Let’s make dinner sushi!"

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

This grammar point is useful in Japan's consensus-based decision-making culture. When someone uses "Nounにする," it often indicates consideration of group consensus, making it significant in social contexts.

Levels of Politeness

Using "Nounにする" can reflect different levels of politeness depending on the verb form:

• する (more casual)
• します (more formal)

Idiomatic Expressions

Common idioms include:

• 選んで決めるがいい (Erande kimeru ga ii): "Choose and decide."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Using "に" incorrectly: Confusing it with "で" or "へ."
• Overusing "にする" in passive contexts: Remember it is about a decision made.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Recall "にする" as "decide on" to remember its decision-making aspect.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Noun にする expresses the act of deciding on or making something into a specific state.
• Understand its difference from "Noun になる" for better usage.
• Context influences its formality and politeness.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does "Noun にする" mean?
2. How would you say "I decided on coffee" in Japanese?
3. What is the main difference between "にする" and "になる"?

By mastering "Nounにする," you can clearly express decisions and choices in Japanese, enhancing both your vocabulary and your understanding of important cultural norms!