します
shimasu
The Japanese phrase for "I will" is します (shimasu).
This phrase is used to express a decision or a promise to do something in the future. In Japanese, the subject "I" is often omitted, so します can mean "I will do it" or simply "I do it" depending on the context. To add emphasis to your intention, you can use the adverbs 必ず (definitely) or 絶対に (certainly).
What does it mean word for word?
The word します literally means 'to do'.
Which one should you use?
While English uses "will" to indicate future intent, the Japanese します expresses both a future intention and a polite statement of action.
How does it change in a sentence?
The polite form is します, while the informal dictionary form is する.
How do you pronounce it?
shimasu
Did you know?
- For an aggressive or defiant 'I'll show them' energy, Japanese speakers use してやる instead of the polite します. This version sounds much more forceful and determined to overcome odds.
- In some contexts, します can be used to express a choice in a restaurant, such as when saying 'I will have the coffee'.
- The verb する is one of the most versatile in Japanese, acting as a 'helper' to turn many nouns into verbs. By adding します, you can transform a noun like 'study' into the action 'I will study'.
Examples in context
- 出席します。I will join it!This sentence shows how to use します to express joining an event.Tatoeba #147732 by bunbuku, translation #266828 by DJ_Saidez
- お供します。I will accompany you.This sentence demonstrates using します to express accompanying someone.Tatoeba #8943126 by small_snow, translation #252723 by CM
- 自分でします。I will do it myself.This sentence illustrates using します to express doing something by oneself.Tatoeba #156296 by KK_kaku_, translation #254816 by CK
- 明日、映画を見に行くつもりだ。I intend to go watch a movie tomorrow.
- 今晩、友達と食べに行こうと思っている。I think I will go out to eat with my friends tonight.
- 明日、レポートを提出いたします。I will submit the report tomorrow.
- 94 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yota and Misaki are talking about cleaning the room.
- 陽太 Yota誰が掃除をしますか。Dare ga souji o shimasu ka.Who will do the cleaning?
- 美咲 Misaki私がします。Watashi ga shimasu.I will.
- 陽太 Yota本当にいいの？Hontou ni ii no?Are you sure it's okay?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、私がしますよ。Hai, watashi ga shimasu yo.Yes, I will do it.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
