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)

Grammar Lesson: 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.

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:

Examples of Formation

Visual Aid

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!