Processing keyword: Verb ることにする (〜ru koto ni suru)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verb ることにする (〜ru koto ni suru)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point Verb ることにする (〜ru koto ni suru). This structure is commonly used to express a decision or resolution made by the speaker to take a certain action. Mastering this grammar point will help you convey your intentions and decisions effectively in Japanese.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

Verb ることにする translates to "decide to do [verb]" or "make it a point to [verb]" in English. It indicates that the speaker has made a deliberate decision to perform an action.

Structure

The structure of this grammar point is:

• Verb (Dictionary Form) + ことにする

Formation Diagram

Let's break down the formation:

Component	Role
Verb (Dictionary Form)	The action to be decided upon
こと	Nominalizes the verb (turns it into a noun phrase)
にする	Indicates making a decision or setting a policy

Examples of Formation

Verb (Dictionary Form)	+ことにする	Meaning
食べる (taberu)	食べることにする	Decide to eat
行く (iku)	行くことにする	Decide to go
勉強する (benkyou suru)	勉強することにする	Decide to study
運動する (undou suru)	運動することにする	Decide to exercise

Visual Aid

    A[Verb (Dictionary Form)] --> B[こと];
    B --> C[にする];
    C --> D[Express Decision to Act];

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing Similar Grammar Points

1. Verb ることにする vs. Verb ることになる

• ことにする: The speaker has made a personal decision.
  • Example: 日本に留学することにしました。
    • I have decided to study abroad in Japan.
• ことになる: A decision has been made due to external factors; not necessarily the speaker's decision.
  • Example: 日本に転勤することになりました。
    • It has been decided that I will be transferred to Japan.

2. Verb るようにする

• ようにする: To make an effort to do something or try to ensure something happens.
  • Example: 毎日運動するようにしています。
    • I make an effort to exercise every day.

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4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal Context

• 来年、大学院に進学することにしました。
  • Rainen, daigakuin ni shingaku suru koto ni shimashita.
  • I have decided to enter graduate school next year.

2. Informal Context

• 週末は家でゆっくりすることにするよ。
  • Shuumatsu wa ie de yukkuri suru koto ni suru yo.
  • I've decided to relax at home this weekend.

3. Written Context

• 健康のために、毎朝ジョギングをすることにした。
  • Kenkou no tame ni, maiasa jogingu o suru koto ni shita.
  • I decided to jog every morning for my health.

4. Spoken Context

• A: 夏休みの予定は決まった？
  • Natsu yasumi no yotei wa kimatta?
  • Have you decided on your summer vacation plans?
• B: うん、友達と沖縄に行くことにした。
  • Un, tomodachi to Okinawa ni iku koto ni shita.
  • Yeah, I've decided to go to Okinawa with friends.

Additional Examples

• 無駄遣いをやめて貯金することにします。
  • Mudazukai o yamete chokin suru koto ni shimasu.
  • I've decided to stop wasting money and start saving.
• 新しい趣味を始めることにしたんだ。
  • Atarashii shumi o hajimeru koto ni shitan da.
  • I've decided to start a new hobby.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, expressing one's decisions can sometimes be nuanced, especially when considering the feelings of others. Using ことにする clearly communicates a personal decision, which can be important in group-oriented settings to express individual intentions.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• Using ～ことにします instead of ～ことにする adds a level of politeness, which is appropriate in formal situations or when speaking to superiors.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 思い切って～ことにする
  • Omoikitte ～ koto ni suru
  • Meaning: To make a bold or decisive decision.
  • Example: 思い切って髪型を変えることにした。
    • Omoikitte kamigata o kaeru koto ni shita.
    • I bravely decided to change my hairstyle.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using the Wrong Verb Form
   • Incorrect: 食べますことにします。
     • Using the polite form 食べます is incorrect here.
   • Correct: 食べることにします。
     • Always use the dictionary form of the verb before ことにする.
2. Confusing ことにする with ことになる
   • Remember that ことにする is for decisions you make yourself, while ことになる is used for decisions made by others or by circumstances.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device
  • Think of ことにする as "to make (にする) an action (こと) happen".
• Practice by Making Decisions
  • Write down things you decide to do each day using ことにする to reinforce the grammar point.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Verb ることにする is used to express a personal decision to perform an action.
• The verb before ことにする must be in its dictionary form.
• ことにする is for personal decisions; ことになる is used when decisions are influenced by external factors.
• Adding している (e.g., ことにしている) implies making something a habitual action.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "I have decided to quit smoking" in Japanese?
   • Answer: タバコをやめることにしました。
2. Which verb form should be used before ことにする?
   • Answer: The dictionary form of the verb.
3. What is the difference between ことにする and ようにする?
   • Answer: ことにする indicates a decision to do something, while ようにする means to make an effort to do something or ensure that something happens.

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By understanding and practicing Verb ることにする, you'll be able to express your decisions confidently in Japanese. Keep practicing by making sentences about your own decisions, and soon it will become a natural part of your language use!

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