Japanese grammar

What does ~くする/~にする mean? Japanese grammar N4

~くする/~にする means to make ~, to turn into ~; to choose ~.

Quick facts
Level (estimated, JLPT framework)N4
StructureAい drop い + くする
Aな + にする
N + にする
Romajikusuru nisuru
Meaningto make ~, to turn into ~; to choose ~

Forming it

ConnectionAい (drop い) + くする / Aな + にする / N + にする

How to use it

Expressing that the subject actively changes a quality/state, or decides to choose an option.

  • i-adjectives change い to く; na-adjectives and nouns attach with に.
  • ~にする is also used when choosing a dish or an option: コーヒーにします.

Examples

  • Please turn down the television volume.

  • I will have tea for my drink.

Common mistakes

  • Wrong部屋(へや)を静(しず)かくします。

    Correct部屋(へや)を静(しず)かにします。

    静か is a na-adjective, so it attaches with にする, not くする.

Exam tips

  • なる = changes by itself; する = actively causes a change or makes a choice.

Related patterns

All N4 grammar →