Synonym Comparison
The Nuance Difference: "します" vs "返す"
Master the exact conceptual boundary between these Japanese terms.
Japanese Term A
します
します (shimasu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Term B
返す
かえす (kaesu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
In Japanese, both します and 返す are often translated to English but have distinct usages.
します (します (shimasu)) represents "to do, to make, to play (a sport)" (Level: N5) and typically represents 非常に多用途な動詞です。「〜をします」の形で、行動、スポーツ、仕事など様々な活動を表します。/ A very versatile verb. Used in the form '～をします' to express various activities, sports, or jobs..
On the other hand, 返す (かえす (kaesu)) translates to "to return, to give back" (Level: N4) and is used for Used when returning an item to its owner or original place, or replying to something. Transitive verb.. Mixing these up can sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers!
Bilingual Sentence for "します"
毎日宿題をします。
I do my homework every day.
Bilingual Sentence for "返す"
図書館に本を返しました。
I returned the book to the library.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "毎日宿題を ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "I do my homework every day.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "します" fits here because it represents "to do, to make, to play (a sport)" in the context: "I do my homework every day.".