The Basics: What Does “Suru” Mean?
“Suru” (する) is one of the most fundamental and commonly used verbs in Japanese. It means “to do” or “to make” and is used in countless situations, from daily activities to forming compound verbs with nouns. For example:
- 勉強する (benkyou suru) – to study
- 仕事をする (shigoto o suru) – to work
- 運動する (undou suru) – to exercise
“Suru” is considered a regular verb and is used in both formal and informal situations, depending on the verb conjugation and the level of politeness required.
The Basics: What Does “Nasaru” Mean?
“Nasaru” (なさる) is an honorific verb, used to show respect towards someone else’s actions. It is the respectful equivalent of “suru.” When you talk about what someone else—usually someone of higher status, such as a boss, teacher, customer, or elder—has done or is doing, you use “nasaru” instead of “suru.” For example:
- 何をなさいますか？ (nani o nasaimasu ka?) – What will you do? (respectful)
- 先生が発表なさった (sensei ga happyou nasatta) – The teacher gave a presentation (honorific)
The use of “nasaru” is a key part of keigo (敬語), the Japanese system of honorific speech.
Key Differences Between “Suru” and “Nasaru”
1. Politeness and Social Context
The most important difference is the level of politeness or respect. “Suru” is neutral, used for oneself or when social hierarchy is not a concern. “Nasaru” is honorific and reserved for showing respect to others, especially those above you in status. Using “nasaru” for your own actions would be considered rude or presumptuous.
2. Grammatical Forms
The verb “nasaru” conjugates differently from “suru.” Here are some common forms:
- Present polite: なさいます (nasaimasu)
- Past polite: なさいました (nasaimashita)
- Te-form: なさって (nasatte)
- Imperative: なさい (nasai) — note: this can also be the polite command form of “suru”
For “suru,” the conjugations are:
- Present polite: します (shimasu)
- Past polite: しました (shimashita)
- Te-form: して (shite)
- Imperative: しなさい (shinasai)
3. Usage in Sentences
Use “suru” for yourself or when referring to someone of equal or lower status:
- 私は料理をします。 (watashi wa ryouri o shimasu) – I cook.
Use “nasaru” for someone you wish to respect:
- 社長がご挨拶なさいます。 (shachou ga go-aisatsu nasaimasu) – The company president will give a greeting.
Notice the use of the honorific “ご” prefix with the noun when using “nasaru”—another sign of respectful speech.
When to Use “Suru” vs. “Nasaru”
Choosing between “suru” and “nasaru” depends on the context and your relationship with the person you are talking about or to. Here are some guidelines:
- Use “suru”: When talking about your own actions, actions of friends, or in casual situations.
- Use “nasaru”: When talking about the actions of someone you should respect (boss, teacher, customer, etc.).
- When in doubt, err on the side of politeness, especially in business or formal settings.
Tips for Learners from Talkpal
Mastering respectful language is essential for smooth communication in Japanese society. Here are some tips from Talkpal to help you remember when to use “suru” and “nasaru”:
- Practice listening to real-life conversations and note when speakers switch between “suru” and “nasaru.”
- Role-play scenarios where you introduce yourself to a superior or customer—try using “nasaru” appropriately.
- Don’t worry if you make mistakes at first; Japanese speakers appreciate your effort to use keigo!
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between “suru” and “nasaru” is a vital step for anyone learning Japanese, especially if you plan to use the language in formal or professional settings. While “suru” is your go-to for most situations, “nasaru” helps you navigate respectful communication, a cornerstone of Japanese culture. For more tips and interactive lessons on keigo and Japanese verbs, check out Talkpal’s AI language learning blog and boost your language skills today!
