Processing keyword: Verb させる (Verb-saseru)

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

Verb させる (Verb-saseru)

Introduction

The Japanese grammar point させる (saseru) is a causative form of verbs that indicates enabling or allowing someone to do something. This structure is crucial for expressing who causes or permits an action.

Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

1. Meaning: The causative form implies that a subject causes or allows an action to happen. It translates to "to make someone do something" or "to let someone do something."
2. Structure: To form the causative verb, you modify the verb stem:
   • For ru-verbs: Replace the る (ru) with させる (saseru).
     • Example: 食べる (taberu, to eat) → 食べさせる (tabesaseru, to make someone eat).
   • For u-verbs: Change the final u sound to an a sound and add せる (seru).
     • Example: 飲む (nomu, to drink) → 飲ませる (nomaseru, to make someone drink).
3. Formation Diagram:

   Verb Type	Example Base Verb	Causative Form
   Ru-verb	食べる (taberu)	食べさせる (tabesaseru)
   U-verb	飲む (nomu)	飲ませる (nomaseru)
   Irregular	する (suru)	させる (saseru)
   Irregular	来る (kuru)	来させる (kosaseru)

Comparative Analysis

• Causative vs. Passive: The causative form is often confused with the passive form (e.g., 食べられる/taberu becomes “to be eaten”). Causative focuses on the subject causing the action, while passive emphasizes receiving the action.

• Causative vs. Causative Passive: The causative can be combined with the passive form, creating a structure that emphasizes both causing and being affected. For example, 食べさせられる (tabesaseru) means "to be made to eat."

Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal:
   • 先生は学生に宿題をさせました。
   • (Sensei wa gakusei ni shukudai o sasemashita.)
   • The teacher made the students do their homework.
2. Informal:
   • 彼女は友達に映画を見させた。
   • (Kanojo wa tomodachi ni eiga o misaseta.)
   • She made her friend watch a movie.
3. Spoken:
   • 昨日、母が私に掃除をさせた。
   • (Kinō, haha ga watashi ni sōji o saseta.)
   • Yesterday, my mom made me clean up.
4. Written:
   • 彼は弟に勉強させることを決めた。
   • (Kare wa otōto ni benkyō saseru koto o kimeta.)
   • He decided to make his younger brother study.

Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

The use of させる reflects Japanese cultural norms regarding hierarchy and authority. It often conveys respect for older generations (e.g., parents, teachers) when making younger individuals perform tasks.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 言わせる (iwaseru): "to make someone say"
• 行かせる (ikaseru): "to make someone go"

Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Using the Wrong Form: Learners sometimes confuse causative with the regular verb form. Ensure you are using the correct causative construction.
• Overgeneralization: While transforming u-verbs, learners may wrongly apply ru-verb rules.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonics: Remember that させる contains the character さ (sa) for "say" (as in making someone do something).
• Practice with Examples; create sentences using both causative and passive forms to understand the difference clearly.

Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• The causative form させる (saseru) indicates enabling or allowing someone to perform an action.
• This form is derived from both ru-verbs and u-verbs through specific rules.
• The usage reflects social structures in Japanese culture, affecting the levels of politeness and formality in communication.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What is the causative form of 飲む (nomu)?
2. How do you say "to let someone eat" in Japanese using the causative form?
3. What is the difference between causative and passive forms? By understanding and practicing this grammar point, students will be able to express actions involving others more effectively in Japanese.