Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Do" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "do", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
します
します (shimasu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
致す
いたす (itasu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "do" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between します and 致す.
In Japanese, します (します (shimasu)) is typically associated with "to do, to make, to play (a sport)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and 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, 致す (いたす (itasu)) maps to "to do (humble form of する)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents A very humble verb used for one's own actions. It's the humble equivalent of する. A literal translation of "do" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "します"
毎日宿題をします。
I do my homework every day.
Bilingual Context for "致す"
明日、私がご説明致します。
I will explain it tomorrow (humble).
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 means "to do, to make, to play (a sport)" in the context of: "I do my homework every day.". "致す" represents "to do (humble form of する)".