する
suru[sɨɾɯ̟]
The Japanese verb for "do" is する (suru).
This verb is used to express performing tasks or actions. It can also be used in specific constructions like [Noun] + にする to mean deciding on or choosing something, such as selecting an item from a menu.
Meaning: perform tasks (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
する is the dictionary form (plain form) used in casual speech or as a base for conjugation. The past tense is した, and the continuous form meaning "is doing" or "am doing" is している. In polite speech, the non-past form is します and the negative form (do not / will not) is しません.
How do you pronounce it?
suru
Did you know?
- In certain contexts, する is used to describe a smell, sound, or feeling. A Japanese speaker might say a flower 'does' a scent rather than 'has' a scent.
- The verb is used in the phrase 恋する to mean 'to be in love'. While English uses a state of being, Japanese treats falling in love as an active process of 'doing'.
- The continuous form している does not just mean 'is doing' an action, but can also describe a state of being or a physical characteristic.
Examples in context
- 来週するよ。I'll do it next week.This sentence shows how to express performing an action in the future.Tatoeba #9671246 by small_snow, translation #9670931 by CK
- どれにする？Which one do you want?This sentence uses the construction to express making a choice.Tatoeba #10298469 by small_snow, translation #1886586 by CK
- ご飯にする？Do you want rice?This sentence uses the construction to express deciding on a food item.Tatoeba #11001460 by small_snow, translation #7770328 by sharris123
- 仕事をします。I do work.
- ご協力をお願いいたします。I humbly ask for your cooperation.
- 運動する？Do you exercise?
- 宿題やらなきゃ。I have to do my homework.
- 748 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yota and Yui are talking about their homework.
- 陽太 Yota宿題をもうした？Shukudai o mou shita?Did you already do your homework?
- 結衣 Yuiいいえ、まだしていないよ。Iie, mada shite inai yo.No, I haven't done it yet.
- 陽太 Yota今から一緒にする？Ima kara issho ni suru?Do you want to do it together now?
- 結衣 Yuiうん、そうしよう！Un, sou shiyou!Yeah, let's do that!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry する, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
