Introduction
In Japanese, many verbs are formed by combining a noun with the verb する (suru), which means “to do.” Learning these -suru verbs can help you expand your vocabulary significantly, as you will also learn the associated nouns. This guide will explain how to use -suru verbs and their nouns in sentences.
Examples
Let’s look at some common -suru verbs and their corresponding nouns:
- 勉強する (benkyou suru) – to study
- Noun: 勉強 (benkyou) – study
- Example: 日本語の勉強は楽しいです。(Nihongo no benkyou wa tanoshii desu.) – Japanese language study is fun.
- 料理する (ryouri suru) – to cook
- Noun: 料理 (ryouri) – cooking
- Example: マリアさんの料理はおいしいです。(Maria-san no ryouri wa oishii desu.) – Maria’s cooking is good.
Using Nouns with する (suru)
These nouns can also be used as the “object” of the verb する (suru). Here are some examples:
- 私は日本語の勉強をします。(Watashi wa nihongo no benkyou o shimasu.) – I study Japanese.
- In this sentence, 日本語の勉強 (nihongo no benkyou) is the object of the verb する (suru).
Compare:
- 私は日本語を勉強します。(Watashi wa nihongo o benkyou shimasu.)
- In this sentence, 日本語 (nihongo) is the object of the verb 勉強する (benkyou suru).
Using with 好きです (suki desu) and きらいです (kirai desu)
You can use these nouns and their -suru verbs in sentences with 好きです (suki desu – to like) and きらいです (kirai desu – to dislike). When using the verbs, add の (no) as discussed in the Genki Grammar #50 “Verb noga sukidesu / jouzudesu.” Pay attention to the particles used before these words:
- 日本語の勉強が好きです。(Nihongo no benkyou ga suki desu.) – I like studying Japanese.
- 日本語を勉強するのが好きです。(Nihongo o benkyou suru no ga suki desu.) – I like studying Japanese.
Conclusion
Understanding and using -suru verbs can significantly enhance your Japanese language skills. By learning these verbs, you not only gain new verbs but also nouns that can be used in various contexts.
