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

1. Introduction

The expression ることにする (ru koto ni suru) is a Japanese grammatical structure used to indicate that a speaker has decided to do a certain action. It is often used to express personal decisions or resolutions.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: "To decide to [do something]"
• Structure:
  • Verb (dictionary form) + ことにする
  • This structure combines the こと (koto) which means “thing” or “matter” with the verb する (suru), meaning “to do.”

Formation Diagram

Visual Aids

Example Structure:

[Verb] (dictionary form) + ことにする
                          ↓
                   Decide to [Verb]

3. Comparative Analysis

Difference with ようにする (you ni suru)

• ようにする (you ni suru): Indicates efforts to do something or make it a habit.

• ことにする (koto ni suru): Indicates a definite decision or resolution. Example:

• ようにする: 健康のために毎日運動するようにしている。

  • (I am trying to exercise every day for my health.)

• ことにする: 健康のために毎日運動することにした。

  • (I decided to exercise every day for my health.)

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal: 来年から新しい仕事をすることにします。

   • (I will decide to start a new job from next year.)

2. Informal: 今度の休みに旅行に行くことにしたよ。

   • (I decided to go on a trip during the next holiday.)

3. Written: 健康のために、毎朝早起きすることにしています。

   • (For my health, I have decided to wake up early every morning.)

4. Spoken: 今年はダイエットすることにする。

   • (I’ve decided to diet this year.)

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

This grammar point reflects the Japanese culture's emphasis on decision-making and personal accountability. It often deals with choices that can affect one's daily life, such as lifestyle changes.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

The choice of verb forms and context (formal/informal) can indicate the speaker's relationship with the listener, aligning with Japanese social norms. Using ことにします (koto ni shimasu) is more polite than using ことにする (koto ni suru).

Idiomatic Expressions

• 決めることにする (kimeru koto ni suru): "To make a decision to"
• [Verb] ことにした: A past decision about something.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Common Mistake: Mixing verb forms. E.g., mistakenly using ない form (negative) instead of the dictionary form.
  • Incorrect: 飲まないことにする
  • Correct: 飲むことにする (I decide to drink.)

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of ことにする as “I choose the thing to do” to help remember that it expresses decisions.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ることにする is used to express a decision or resolution about doing something.
• It can be distinguished from similar expressions like ようにする, which imply ongoing effort.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does ことにする mean?
2. How would you say "I decided to read a book" in Japanese using this structure?
3. What is a common mistake learners might make when using this structure? Answers:
4. "To decide to [do something]."
5. 本を読むことにした (hon o yomu koto ni shita).
6. Mixing negative forms with the structure.