何かします
nanika shimasu
In Japanese, "I will do something" is expressed as 何かします (nanika shimasu).
This phrase is used to express an intention to perform an unspecified action.
Which one should you use?
While 何かします is the standard polite form, you may encounter 何かする (the dictionary or informal version) or いたします (a more polite version of the verb).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
何かします is the standard polite form. For informal situations, such as speaking with friends or family, use the plain form 何かする. In more formal or polite contexts, the more polite verb form いたします can be used.
How do you pronounce it?
nanika shimasu
Did you know?
- If you use the more formal いたします, you are using 'kenjougo', or humble Japanese. This specifically lowers your own status to show respect to the person you are speaking to.
- Depending on the tone, 何かします can be used as a vague way to avoid committing to a specific plan. In social settings, this ambiguity is often used to maintain harmony and avoid direct conflict.
- The verb 'suru' (to do) is one of the most versatile words in the language. It can be attached to many nouns to turn them into verbs, such as 'study' (benkyou) becoming 'to study' (benkyou suru).
Examples in context
- お手紙を書きます。I will write a letter.
- ミーティングに参加します。I will participate in the meeting.
- 調査を行います。I will conduct the investigation.
- 手伝うよ。I will help.
- やるから安心して。I will do it, so don't worry.
- 掃除をするよ。I will clean.
- 休み中に何かします。Yasumi chu ni nanika shimasu.I will do something during my break.
- 暇な時に何かします。Hima na toki ni nanika shimasu.I will do something when I have free time.
Example conversation
Two friends are bored at home.
- 大翔 Hirotoとても暇だね。totemo hima da ne.We're really bored, aren't we?
- 陽葵 Himariそうだね。何かしますか。sou da ne. nanika shimasu ka.Yeah. Shall we do something?
- 大翔 Hirotoいいよ。僕が何かします。ii yo. boku ga nanika shimasu.Sure. I will do something.
- 陽葵 Himari楽しみにしてるね。tanoshimi ni shiteru ne.I'm looking forward to it.
