Japanese is a fascinating language with its own unique set of challenges and intricacies. One of the aspects that often confounds learners is the usage of the verbs する (suru) and やる (yaru), both of which can translate to “to do” in English. While they might appear interchangeable at first glance, they have distinct uses and connotations that make understanding their differences crucial for mastering Japanese. This article will delve into the nuances between する and やる, exploring their various contexts and giving you the tools to use them correctly.
Understanding する (Suru)
The verb する is one of the most fundamental and versatile verbs in the Japanese language. It is often used in a wide range of contexts and is essential for various grammatical constructions.
Basic Usage
In its most basic form, する means “to do” or “to perform.” It is frequently used with nouns to form verb phrases. For example:
– 勉強する (benkyou suru) – to study
– 仕事する (shigoto suru) – to work
– 運動する (undou suru) – to exercise
In these cases, する attaches to a noun to create a verb that describes an action related to that noun.
Formality and Politeness
する can be conjugated to fit different levels of formality and politeness. The most common polite form is します (shimasu). For instance:
– 勉強します (benkyou shimasu) – I will study
– 仕事します (shigoto shimasu) – I will work
In casual speech, する is often used as-is, but in formal situations, it’s essential to use します to show respect.
Compounds and Fixed Expressions
する is also used in many compound verbs and fixed expressions. These include:
– 決定する (kettei suru) – to decide
– 予約する (yoyaku suru) – to reserve
– 結婚する (kekkon suru) – to get married
These compounds are often Sino-Japanese words (words of Chinese origin) and are usually more formal or technical.
Understanding やる (Yaru)
The verb やる also means “to do,” but it carries different nuances and is used in different contexts compared to する.
Basic Usage
やる is often used in more casual or colloquial contexts. It can imply a sense of effort, initiative, or intention. For example:
– ゲームをやる (geemu o yaru) – to play a game
– 宿題をやる (shukudai o yaru) – to do homework
In these examples, やる is used to describe actions that are usually less formal or more personal.
Connotations and Nuances
One key difference between やる and する lies in their connotations. やる can sometimes imply a rougher or more straightforward action. It is often used among friends or in informal settings. For example:
– あいつにやられた (aitsu ni yarareta) – I was done in by that guy
– これをやってみよう (kore o yatte miyou) – Let’s try doing this
Here, やる conveys a sense of determination or directness that する might not.
Special Uses
やる also has some specialized uses that する does not. For instance, やる can mean “to give” when referring to giving to someone of lower status (such as animals or plants):
– 犬に餌をやる (inu ni esa o yaru) – to feed the dog
– 花に水をやる (hana ni mizu o yaru) – to water the flowers
In these cases, using する would be inappropriate and would not convey the intended meaning.
Comparative Usage
Understanding when to use する versus やる often depends on the context and the nuances you wish to convey. Here are some comparative examples to illustrate the differences:
Interchangeable Contexts
There are some situations where する and やる can be used interchangeably without a significant change in meaning. However, the choice between them can still affect the tone:
– 宿題をする (shukudai o suru) – to do homework (neutral/formal)
– 宿題をやる (shukudai o yaru) – to do homework (casual)
In these cases, using する might sound more neutral or polite, while やる can make the sentence sound more casual or laid-back.
Non-Interchangeable Contexts
There are also contexts where only one of the verbs is appropriate:
– 決定する (kettei suru) – to decide (formal)
– 決定やる (kettei yaru) – incorrect
– 犬に餌をやる (inu ni esa o yaru) – to feed the dog
– 犬に餌をする (inu ni esa o suru) – incorrect
In these examples, substituting one verb for the other would either make the sentence incorrect or change its meaning entirely.
Subtleties and Regional Differences
It’s also worth noting that regional dialects and personal speaking styles can influence the choice between する and やる. For example, in Kansai dialect, やる is often used more frequently than する in casual speech.
Learning Through Context
One of the best ways to learn the differences between する and やる is to pay attention to how native speakers use these verbs in different contexts. Watching Japanese TV shows, movies, or listening to conversations can provide valuable insights into their proper usage.
Practice Makes Perfect
As with many aspects of language learning, practice is essential. Try creating your own sentences using both する and やる, and see how they change the tone and meaning of what you’re trying to convey. The more you practice, the more natural it will become to choose the appropriate verb for each situation.
Conclusion
Mastering the subtle differences between する and やる is a key step in achieving fluency in Japanese. While both verbs can translate to “to do,” their uses, connotations, and appropriateness can vary widely depending on the context. By understanding these nuances and practicing regularly, you can improve your Japanese communication skills and sound more natural in different situations.
Remember, language learning is a journey, and every step you take brings you closer to fluency. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and always be open to learning from them. Happy studying!
