What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the verb stem yari (from the verb yaru, meaning "to do") and the suffix -kata, which means "way" or "method".
Which one should you use?
While やり方 refers to a specific method or procedure, the term shikata (which uses the verb suru) is often used for more abstract or general ways of behaving or handling situations.
How does it change in a sentence?
The suffix -kata can be attached to the stem of almost any verb to create a noun meaning "the way of doing [verb]". To make an expression more polite when seeking guidance or instructions, you can add ください to the end of a sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
yarikata
When do people say it?
When asking for instructions, you can use the formal and humble phrase 方法を教えてください to mean "Please teach/instruct me the method". In informal settings among friends, you might use どうやってするの？ for "How do you do it?" or simply 教えてよ for "Tell me".
Did you know?
- While やり方 describes a method, the word 仕方 (shikata) is used in the common phrase 仕方がない to mean 'it cannot be helped'. In this context, it expresses a sense of resignation rather than a literal way of doing something.
- In Japanese business culture, discussing the やり方 often involves a concept called 'ho-ren-so'. This refers to the specific 'how to' of reporting, informing and consulting with superiors to ensure harmony.
- Japanese has a specific term 作法 (saho) for the 'how to' of traditional etiquette. While やり方 is for general tasks, 作法 is reserved for the highly codified methods of the tea ceremony or kimono dressing.
Examples in context
- やり方知ってる？Do you know how to do it?This sentence is useful for asking if someone knows the method using やり方.Tatoeba #8599187 by bunbuku, translation #4687852 by Josefwintzent
- やり方、知ってる？Do you know how to do that?Tatoeba #10565935 by small_snow, translation #2951733 by CK
- やり方を教えるね。I'll show you how to do it.This sentence is useful for offering to show someone the method using やり方.Tatoeba #10606935 by small_snow, translation #1841637 by CK
- 新しいレシピの作り方を教えてください。Please teach me how to make the new recipe.
- このゲームの攻略はどうやってするの？How do you go about beating this game?
- 新しい映画の見つけ方を教えてよ。Tell me how to find new movies.
- 98 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki asks Youta for help with a smartphone app.
- 美咲 Misaki陽太くん、このアプリのやり方がわからないよ。Youta-kun, kono apuri no yarikata ga wakaranai yo.Youta, I don't know how to use this app.
- 陽太 Yota僕が教えるから、貸して。Boku ga oshieru kara, kashite.I'll teach you, so let me see it.
- 美咲 Misakiありがとう、助かるよ。Arigatou, tasukaru yo.Thank you, that helps a lot.
- 陽太 Yota美咲さんは、やり方を覚えるのが早いね。Misaki-san wa, yarikata o oboeru no ga hayai ne.Misaki, you are fast at learning how to do things.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry やり方, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
