Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "します", "する", "行う", "〜てしまう"
All represent the core concept "do", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
します
します (shimasu)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
する
する (suru)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
行う
おこなう (okonau)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
〜てしまう
〜てしまう (te shimau)
N3 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "do" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "します", "する", "行う", "〜てしまう" based on context.
- します (します (shimasu) - Level: N5): Maps to "to do, to make, to play (a sport)" and is used when 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..
- する (する (suru) - Level: N5): Maps to "to do, to make" and is used when A very versatile verb. Polite form is します.
- 行う (おこなう (okonau) - Level: N4): Maps to "to do, to conduct, to carry out, to perform" and is used when More formal than する. Typically used for conducting events, ceremonies, research, or official procedures..
- 〜てしまう (〜てしまう (te shimau) - Level: N3): Maps to "to do completely; to do regrettably/unintentionally" and is used when Expresses either the completion of an action, often implying 'finished doing,' or an action done unintentionally or regrettably. In casual speech, it's often shortened to 〜ちゃう/〜じゃう.
Context for "します"
毎日宿題をします。
I do my homework every day.
Context for "する"
毎日日本語を勉強します。
I study Japanese every day.
Context for "行う"
今日は会議が行われる予定だ。
A meeting is scheduled to be held today.
Context for "〜てしまう"
大事な書類をなくしてしまいました。
I accidentally lost important documents.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
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" is correct here because it represents "to do, to make, to play (a sport)" in the context: "I do my homework every day.".