する

• Reading: する
• Romaji: suru
• Kanji breakdown: 為 (i/su) — to do, to act, to make
• Pronunciation: /sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To do; to carry out; to perform. The single most versatile verb in Japanese, used to form countless compound verbs.

A Group 3 (irregular) verb with unique conjugation: して, した, します. While the kanji 為る exists, it is virtually never used — always written in hiragana. Combines with nouns to create verbs: 勉強する (to study), 料理する (to cook), 電話する (to phone). Also used for sensory experiences: 音がする (there is a sound), いい匂いがする (smells good).

Examples

1. 毎日日本語の勉強をします。 I study Japanese every day.
2. 週末は何をしますか。 What are you going to do on the weekend?
3. 外で変な音がした。 There was a strange sound outside.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, work, hobbies

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 為 originally depicted a hand guiding an elephant, symbolising purposeful action and accomplishment. As the most fundamental action verb, it shed its kanji form in everyday use.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal