する
suru[sɨɾɯ̟]
The Japanese phrase 'to do' is expressed as する (suru).
する is used to express performing an action or carrying out a task. You can also attach する to a noun to indicate the action to be done.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The dictionary form する is used in casual conversation with friends or family. For a more polite tone, you should use します.
How does it change in a sentence?
する changes its form depending on the tense and politeness required. The informal past tense ('did' or 'done') is した, while the informal negative form ('do not' or 'will not do') is しない. The polite form of the verb is します.
How do you pronounce it?
suru
Did you know?
- In certain contexts, する is used to express 'to become' or 'to make a choice', such as when ordering food in a restaurant by saying これにする to mean 'I will go with this one'.
- While する is the standard word for 'to do', it cannot be used for 'doing' a favor in the same way English does. Instead, Japanese uses specific verbs like かける to describe the act of imposing a burden on someone.
- The root of する is found in the Okinawan language as すん, showing a deep linguistic connection across the Japanese islands.
Examples in context
- 今日は何する？What are you going to do today?This sentence is useful for asking about someone's plans for the day using する.Tatoeba #8823015 by small_snow, translation #242789 by CK
- こうするんだよ。This is the way to do it.This sentence is useful for demonstrating how to perform an action using する.Tatoeba #11320492 by small_snow, translation #5682735 by Hybrid
- この後、何するの？What are you going to do after this?This sentence is useful for asking about someone's immediate future plans using する.Tatoeba #9092734 by small_snow, translation #9999340 by CK
- 私は仕事をします。I will do work.
- 316 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are deciding what to do at the park.
- 健太 Kentaここで何をする？Koko de nani o suru?What will you do here?
- 陽葵 Himari一緒に散歩をしよう。Issho ni sanpo o shiyou.Let's take a walk together.
- 健太 Kentaいい考えだね。そうしよう。Ii kangae da ne. Sou shiyou.That's a good idea. Let's do that.
- 陽葵 Himariじゃあ、行こう！Jaa, ikou!Well, let's go!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry する, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries する, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
