GrammarIntermediate6 min read
Japanese Causative Form: 使役形
使役形の使い方
Learn the Japanese causative form (使役形) for expressing 'make/let someone do something'. Master the conjugation patterns and usage.
The causative form (使役形 - shieki-kei) expresses "make someone do" or "let someone do" something. It's essential for describing situations where one person influences another's actions.
How to Form the Causative(使役形の作り方)
The causative is formed by changing the verb ending:
| Verb Type | Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Godan | Change う to あせる | 書く → 書かせる |
| Ichidan | Drop る, add させる | 食べる → 食べさせる |
| する | させる | 勉強する → 勉強させる |
| くる | こさせる | くる → こさせる |
Make vs. Let(強制と許可)
The causative can express both forcing and allowing:
- Make (force): Often with を for the person
- Let (allow): Often with に for the person + てあげる
母は私に野菜を食べさせた。
はははわたしにやさいをたべさせた。
haha wa watashi ni yasai wo tabesaseta.
My mother made me eat vegetables.
させてください (Let me...)(させてください)
A very common pattern is causative + てください to request permission:
少し考えさせてください。
すこしかんがえさせてください。
sukoshi kangaesasete kudasai.
Please let me think for a moment.
!
This is a polite way to ask for permission to do something.
Particle Usage(助詞の使い方)
The particle choice affects the nuance:
| Particle | Nuance | Example |
|---|---|---|
| を | Force/make (less voluntary) | 子供をプールで泳がせた |
| に | Let/allow (more voluntary) | 子供にプールで泳がせた |
✓Summary
The causative form:
- Godan: う → あせる
- Ichidan: る → させる
- Use を for "make" (force), に for "let" (allow)
- させてください = "please let me..."
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