Processing keyword: Verb させる (Verb-saseru)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verb させる (Verb-saseru)

Verb させる (Verb-saseru): The Causative Form in Japanese

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese causative form Verb させる (Verb-saseru), which is used to express making or letting someone do something. Understanding this grammar point is essential for constructing sentences where you want to indicate that someone causes another person to perform an action.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The causative form Verb させる is used to indicate that someone:

• Makes someone do something
• Lets someone do something

Structure

Formation

The causative form is created differently depending on the verb group.

1. Group 1 Verbs (Godan verbs):
   • Change the final う (u) sound to the あ (a) sound.
   • Add せる (seru). Formula:

   Verb stem (u → a) + せる
   

   Example:

   • 書く (kaku, to write) → 書かせる (kakaseru, to make/let write)
2. Group 2 Verbs (Ichidan verbs):
   • Remove る (ru) from the plain form.
   • Add させる (saseru). Formula:

   Verb stem + させる
   

   Example:

   • 食べる (taberu, to eat) → 食べさせる (tabesaseru, to make/let eat)
3. Irregular Verbs:
   • する (suru, to do) → させる (saseru, to make/let do)
   • 来る (kuru, to come) → 来させる (kosaseru, to make/let come)

Particle Usage

In causative sentences, the person who is made or allowed to do something is marked by に (ni) or を (o).

• に (ni): Generally used to indicate the person being caused to act.
• を (o): Used when the action is more direct or forceful.

3. Comparative Analysis

Causative vs. Passive

It's important to distinguish between the causative form and the passive form.

• Causative (Verb させる): Indicates making or letting someone do something.
  • Example: 食べさせる (tabesaseru, make/let eat)
• Passive (Verb れる/られる): Indicates receiving an action or being affected by it.
  • Example: 食べられる (taberareru, be eaten)

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. 母は子どもに野菜を食べさせる。 Haha wa kodomo ni yasai o tabesaseru. The mother makes her child eat vegetables.
2. 先生は学生たちを立たせた。 Sensei wa gakusei-tachi o tataseta. The teacher made the students stand up.
3. 彼は私を待たせました。 Kare wa watashi o matasemashita. He made me wait.
4. 社長は社員に残業させる。 Shachō wa shain ni zangyō saseru. The company president makes the employees work overtime.
5. 私は娘にピアノを習わせています。 Watashi wa musume ni piano o narawasete imasu. I am having my daughter learn the piano.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, hierarchy and social roles are significant. Using the causative form can imply authority or permission. It's important to be mindful of social contexts to avoid sounding rude or overly authoritative.

• When speaking to someone of higher status, soften the causative form.
• In formal situations, use polite verb endings.

Levels of Politeness

• Casual: 食べさせる (tabesaseru)
• Polite: 食べさせます (tabesasemasu)
• Honorific/Humble: 食べさせていただきます (tabesasete itadakimasu)

Idiomatic Expressions

• お待たせしました。 Omatase shimashita. Sorry to have kept you waiting. Commonly used when someone has been waiting, expressing politeness.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Incorrect Conjugation of Group 1 Verbs:
   • Incorrect: 書く → 書けさせる (kake saseru)
   • Correct: 書く → 書かせる (kakaseru) Tip: Remember to change the final う (u) sound to an あ (a) sound before adding せる (seru).
2. Confusion Between Causative and Passive Forms:
   • Causative: 読ませる (yomaseru, make/let read)
   • Passive: 読まれる (yomareru, be read) Tip: Be mindful of the endings: -せる (seru) for causative, -れる/られる (reru/rareru) for passive.

Learning Strategies

• Practice with Common Verbs: Create a list of frequently used verbs and practice conjugating them into the causative form.
• Use Mnemonic Devices: For Group 1 verbs, remember "Change u to a, then add せる."
• Contextual Learning: Incorporate causative sentences into daily conversations or writing exercises.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Verb させる is used to express making or letting someone do an action.
• Conjugation patterns vary between verb groups.
• The person caused to act is marked with に (ni) or を (o).
• Social context and politeness levels are important when using the causative form.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you form the causative form of a Group 2 verb?
2. Conjugate the verb 読む (yomu, to read) into its causative form.
3. Translate into Japanese: The manager let the employee take a day off.

Answers:

1. Remove る (ru) and add させる (saseru):
   • 食べる → 食べさせる
2. 読む → 読ませる (yomaseru)
3. 部長は社員に休みを取らせた。 Buchō wa shain ni yasumi o toraseta.

By mastering the causative form Verb させる, you'll enhance your ability to express complex actions involving permission and compulsion in Japanese. Keep practicing with different verbs and contexts to solidify your understanding!