Structure
[な]Adjective + に + する
[い]Adjective[く]+ する
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Standard
使用域
一般
About ~にする・~くする
When combined with a な-Adjective, にする (or くする in the case of い-Adjectives) carries the meaning of 'to make more (A)'.
Just like the にする grammar point that is used for highlighting decisions, this にする construction implies that the speaker has a high level of control over the action.
にする - High level of control, the speaker/subject can perform this action themselves.
になる - High level of control, the speaker/subject can perform this action themselves, but there is no external target.
とする - Medium level of control, the speaker/subject can perform this action, but some outside factors may need to be considered (difficulty, other people, time, etc.).
となる - Low level of control, the speaker/subject has almost no control over these actions, and something that came about purely due to external factors is being discussed.
Just like the にする grammar point that is used for highlighting decisions, this にする construction implies that the speaker has a high level of control over the action.
- この建物をもっと丈夫にする方法がありますか?Is there any way to make this building more durable?
- 汚い部屋を綺麗にするのは大変だ。It is difficult to make a dirty room clean.
- 風呂を熱くするよ。いい?I'm going to make the bath hot. Is that okay?
- このコーヒーを甘くするために、砂糖をください。Please give me sugar to make this coffee more sweet.
Fun Fact
にする is one of four regularly repeating grammar patterns in Japanese that highlight the level of control that the speaker has over the action/result of an action. From highest to lowest level of control, these are as follows:にする - High level of control, the speaker/subject can perform this action themselves.
になる - High level of control, the speaker/subject can perform this action themselves, but there is no external target.
とする - Medium level of control, the speaker/subject can perform this action, but some outside factors may need to be considered (difficulty, other people, time, etc.).
となる - Low level of control, the speaker/subject has almost no control over these actions, and something that came about purely due to external factors is being discussed.
Examples
頑張って部品を小さくしてください。
Please try your best to make the parts smaller.
布団を新しくしたから気持ちいい。
I got a new futon, so it is comfortable. (Literally - I did it new)
歯医者さんで歯を白くしてもらった。
I had the dentist make my teeth whiter. (Literally - Do white)
お花見には温かくして行った方がいい。
You should make yourself warm when going to a flower-viewing party. (Literally - Do warm)
この部屋を大きくしたいです。
I want to make this room bigger. (Literally - Do big)
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Adjectives + なる/する
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~にする・~くする – Grammar Discussion
Most Recent Replies (12 in total)
Superpnut
About 1 year ago
Oh thank you very much!
I just couldn’t find a good explanation online, or an explanation at all and I just couldn’t figure out the pattern. Still wish they added an explanation to that on the grammar point though. Or make a different point for して if they aren’t going to explain that half of it.
Thanks!SebastianLassen
About 6 months ago
IcyIceBear
About 6 months ago
Yeah you’re def right
Might have better luck in the feedback and bug report thread to be seen
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