Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "します", "する", "頑張る", "行う"
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
頑張る
がんばる (ganbaru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
行う
おこなう (okonau)
N4 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "do" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "します", "する", "頑張る", "行う" 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.
- 頑張る (がんばる (ganbaru) - Level: N4): Maps to "to do one's best, to try hard, to persevere" and is used when A versatile word used to encourage oneself or others to try hard, persist, or endure. Common phrases include 頑張って.
- 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..
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 "頑張る"
次の試験のために毎日一生懸命頑張ります。
I will do my best every day for the next exam.
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.
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.".