Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Do" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "do", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
致す
いたす (itasu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
なさる
なさる (nasaru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "do" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 致す and なさる.
In Japanese, 致す (いたす (itasu)) is typically associated with "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.
On the other hand, なさる (なさる (nasaru)) maps to "to do (honorific form of する)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Honorific form of する. A literal translation of "do" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "致す"
明日、私がご説明致します。
I will explain it tomorrow (humble).
Bilingual Context for "なさる"
先生は何をなさいますか。
What will the teacher do?
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "明日、私がご説明致します。" (Meaning: "I will explain it tomorrow (humble).")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "致す" fits here because it means "to do (humble form of する)" in the context of: "I will explain it tomorrow (humble).". "なさる" represents "to do (honorific form of する)".