Processing keyword: Verb たことにしてください (~ ta koto ni shite kudasai)
Japanese Grammar Point: Verb たことにしてください (~ ta koto ni shite kudasai)
1. Introduction
In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point Verb たことにしてください, which is used to ask someone to pretend or consider that an action has taken place. This structure is useful in formal contexts where you might need to request someone to act as if something has happened, even if it hasn't.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
Verb たことにしてください translates to "Please pretend that..." or "Please consider that..." in English. It's a polite way to ask someone to regard an event or action as if it has occurred.
Structure
To form this expression:
- Verb in the past tense (た-form)
- ことにする (decide to consider something as...)
- ください (please) Formation Diagram:
| Verb (Dictionary Form) | Verb (た-form) | + ことにする | + ください |
|---|---|---|---|
| 食べる (taberu) | 食べた (tabeta) | 食べたことにする | 食べたことにしてください |
Breakdown
- Verbた: The past tense form of the verb.
- ことにする: An expression meaning "decide to" or "pretend that".
- ください: Polite request "please".
3. Comparative Analysis
Similar Grammar Points:
- Verb ことにする: "Decide to do something."
- Example: 明日から早起きすることにします。
Translation: I will decide to wake up early starting tomorrow.
- Example: 明日から早起きすることにします。
- Verb たことになる: "It turns out that..." or "It has been decided that..."
- Example: 彼は合格したことになる。
Translation: It turns out he has passed. Differences:
- Example: 彼は合格したことになる。
- Verb たことにしてください is used to request someone to pretend an action has occurred.
- Verb ことにする indicates making a decision to do something.
- Verb たことになる expresses that an action has been considered as occurred, often as a result or conclusion.
4. Examples in Context
Example 1: Formal Request
Japanese: この件は聞かなかったことにしてください。 Romaji: Kono ken wa kikanakatta koto ni shite kudasai. English: Please pretend that you didn't hear about this matter.
Example 2: Workplace Scenario
Japanese: 私が遅刻しなかったことにしてください。 Romaji: Watashi ga chikoku shinakatta koto ni shite kudasai. English: Please consider that I was not late.
Example 3: Polite Conversation
Japanese: 今言ったことは言わなかったことにしてください。 Romaji: Ima itta koto wa iwanakatta koto ni shite kudasai. English: Please pretend that I didn't say what I just said.
Example 4: Written Communication
Japanese: 提出期限は延長されたことにしてください。 Romaji: Teishutsu kigen wa enchō sareta koto ni shite kudasai. English: Please consider the submission deadline as extended.
5. Cultural Notes
Cultural Relevance
- Indirect Communication: Japanese culture often emphasizes indirect expressions to maintain harmony. Using this structure allows the speaker to make sensitive requests politely.
- Politeness Levels: The addition of ください makes the request respectful and is suitable for formal situations.
Idiomatic Expressions
- なかったことにする: "Pretend it didn't happen."
- Example: ミスをなかったことにした。
Translation: I pretended the mistake didn't happen.
- Example: ミスをなかったことにした。
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Mistake 1: Using the Dictionary Form Instead of the Past Tense
- Incorrect: 来ることにしてください。
- Correct: 来たことにしてください。 Tip: Always use the た-form (past tense) of the verb before ことにしてください.
Mistake 2: Mixing Up with ことにします
- Incorrect Usage: 参加することにしてください。 (Intended to mean "Please pretend that you participated.")
- Correct: 参加したことにしてください。 Tip: ことにします (masu-form) means "I have decided to..." while ことにしてください is a polite request to someone else.
Learning Strategies
- Practice Conjugation: Regularly practice converting verbs to their た-form to become comfortable with this structure.
- Create Sample Sentences: Write your own sentences using this grammar point to reinforce understanding.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- Verb たことにしてください is used to politely ask someone to pretend or consider that an action has occurred.
- Formation requires the た-form of the verb + ことにしてください.
- It's commonly used in formal contexts to make indirect and polite requests.
Quick Recap Quiz
- Translate to Japanese: "Please pretend that you received the email."
- Answer: メールを受け取ったことにしてください。
- What is the function of the た-form in this grammar point?
- Answer: It indicates that the action is considered as completed or occurred in the past.
- True or False: "Verb ことにしてください" can be used interchangeably with "Verb たことにしてください."
- Answer: False. The first asks someone to decide to do something; the second asks someone to pretend an action has already occurred.
By mastering Verb たことにしてください, you enhance your ability to make polite and nuanced requests in Japanese, which is essential for effective communication in formal settings. Feel free to practice by creating your own sentences using this grammar structure!